May 18, 2018 (Fri), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

The original Japanese Gallery (designed by the British architect Josiah Conder) was severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. In contrast to western style of the original structure, the design of the present Honkan by Watanabe Jin is the more eastern "Emperor's Crown Style." Construction began in 1932, and the building was opened in 1938. 24 exhibition rooms on two floors provide a thorough introduction into Japanese art: "Highlights of Japanese Art" on the second floor introduces the development of Japanese art from Jomon through to the Edo period in a chronological manner, and genre galleries presenting specific rooms displaying ceramics, swords, lacquerwares, sculptures, modern decorative arts as well as the material culture of Ainu and Ryukyu are located on the first floor.

Highlights of Japanese Art(PDF)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

The Dawn of Japanese Art: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
July 16, 2018 (Mon)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Senzui Byobu (Screen with　landscape painting for Buddhist rituals)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

May 15, 2018 (Tue) -
June 3, 2018 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

March 20, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Rooms 5 & 6

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 16, 2018 (Mon)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 22, 2018 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
June 3, 2018 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Bugaku in Japan’s Medieval Period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

May 15, 2018 (Tue) -
June 3, 2018 (Sun)

Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated from Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century

The Dawn of Japanese Art: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - July 16, 2018 (Mon)

Current exhibit includes:
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated from Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century
Deep Bowl, Excavated from Miyanomae, Ina-shi, Nagano, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Kinki-region style, Excavated from Mukaiyama, Ibaraki, Hidaka-cho, Wakayama, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Dogu (Clay figurine), Excavated at Kamikurokoma, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Miyamoto Naokichi)

Buddhist Incantation from the "One Million Pagodas" (detail), Nara period, 8th century

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 2018 (Sun)

In the mid-6th century, Buddhism was officially introduced into Japan from the kingdom of Baekje on the southeastern coast of the Korean peninsula. Japanese culture made a remarkable progress with the adoption of Buddhism. This gallery features early Buddhist statues, sutras, reliquaries, and ritual implements from the Asuka and Nara periods.

Current exhibit includes:
Standing Buddha, The Horyuji Treasures, Asuka period, 7th century
Buddhist Incantation from the "One Million Pagodas", Nara period, 8th century

Senzui Byobu (Screen with landscape painting for Buddhist rituals) (detail), Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jingoji, Kyoto)

National Treasure Gallery: Senzui Byobu (Screen with　landscape painting for Buddhist rituals)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

May 15, 2018 (Tue) - June 3, 2018 (Sun)

This folding screen has been preserved at Jingoji temple, an esoteric Buddhist temple in Kyoto, and was used as a backdrop for rituals called “kanjo.” It depicts everyday activities of people of high standing and commoners amongst gentle and expansive mountain ranges. When viewed from a distance, monumental scenery unfolds before one’s eyes, while scrupulous detail is visible up close. This work – the oldest extant folding screen of yamato-e Japanese-style painting – is thought to have been originally used as a furnishing by the nolibity.

List of Exhibits

Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra) and Ten Rasetsunyo (Raksasi)　(detail), Kamakura period, 14th century

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 2018 (Sun)

Buddhist art is one of the major genres that define Japanese art. Many masterworks date from the late Heian period, a time characterized as classical in Japanese art history. After the Kamakura period, Buddhist art further developed in its materials, methods, and styles as Zen schools and other new Buddhist schools emerged, together with the influence from the Chinese arts. This exhibit features artworks from the Heian to Kamakura periods, when Buddhist art most flourished, adding siginificant objects from the Nanbokucho and periods.

Current exhibit includes:
Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra) and Ten Rasetsunyo (Raksasi), Kamakura period, 14th century
Portrait of Priestess Myonen, Inscription by Nichijo dated 1564, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Art Object)
The Origins of Inabado Temple and Its Statue of Yakushi, Kamakura period, dated 1323 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Joufukuji, Ibaraki)
Lotus Sutra, Funbestu kudoku hon chapter, Kamakura period, dated 1253 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Hogonji, Shiga)
Lotus Sutra, Vol. 4, Known as the "Sensoji kyo", Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, Lent by Senso-ji, Tokyo)

Illustrated Scroll of Story about Tsuchigumo, the Monstrous Spider (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 2018 (Sun)

The courtiers were strongly involved in the arts through the Heian and Muromachi periods, their aesthetic tastes playing a great role in Japanese art history. Literature works such as waka poems and other calligraphy written by courtiers, and e-maki narrative picture scrolls displayed in this room with decorative art objects.

Current exhibit includes:
Illustrated Scroll of Story about Tsuchigumo, the Monstrous Spider, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Anthology of Poems Composed by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki and Minamoto no Muneyuki, Attributed to Fujiwara no Teika, Heian period, 12th century (Important Art Object, Lent by Tokushu Tokai Paper Co., Ltd., Tokyo)
Segment of Anthology of Poems Composed by Minamoto no Michinari, Attributed to Fujiwara no Tadaie, Heian period, 12th century (Important Art Object)
Kokin shu Poetry Anthology, Continued, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Landscape of the Four Seasons (detail), Attributed to Shubun, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 2018 (Sun)

This gallery features works by famous artists of the landscape-painting genre, along with famous works of bokuseki (calligraphy by Zen priests).

Current exhibit includes:
River and Mountains at Sunset, Attributed to Shubun, Inscriptions by Daigu Shochi and eleven other monks, Muromachi period, ca. 1437 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Geju (Buddhist verse), By Ikkyu Sojun, Muromachi period, dated 1467
Landscape of the Four Seasons, Attributed to Shubun, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Sake Flask, Cherry blossom and stream design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

March 20, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (Sun)

This gallery highlights the way of tea through its various art works such as paintings and calligraphy, vases, vessels for kaiseki meals, kettles, tea caddies, and tea bowls.

Current exhibit includes:
Tea Kettle, Japanese kerria design, Ashiya ware, Shinnari type, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Art Object, Lent by the Satoh Artcraft Research & Scholarship Foundation)
Water Jar, Kosometsuke type; Cherry blossom and stream design in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen ware, China, Ming dynasty, 17th century (Private collection)
Flower Vase with Lugs, Iga ware, Edo period, 17th century
Sake Flask, Cherry blossom and stream design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

Domaru Type Armor, With black leather lacing and white lacing on top, omodaka style, ridged helmet, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Rooms 5 & 6

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 16, 2018 (Mon)

Beginning with the sword which is the most important possession of a samurai, this gallery focuses on arms and armor, saddlery, attire of the warriors as well as their portraits and hand-writings.

Current exhibit includes:
Domaru Type Armor, With black leather lacing and white lacing on top, omodaka style, ridged helmet, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tanto Sword, By Tsugunao, Nanbokucho period, dated 1358 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)
Aikuchi Style Sword Mounting, With black-lacquered scabbard, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)
Kamishimo (Warriors' Costume), Pine-leaf design with three-leaves hollyhock crests on yellow-green ramie, Purportedly owned by Tsunayoshi, the fifth-generation, Tokugawa shogun, Edo period, 18th century

The Imperial Visit to Ohar (detail), By Hasegawa Kyuzo, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century

Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 2018 (Sun)

This gallery is dedicated to the genre of shohei-ga, which includes mural paintings, fusuma paintings and byobu paintings. The room is especially designed for an effective display of grand-scale paintings.

Current exhibit includes:
The Imperial Visit to Ohar, By Hasegawa Kyuzo, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
Flowers, Birds and Insects of the Four Seasons, Artist unknown, Muromachi–Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century

Writing Box, Design of gabions and plovers in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 22, 2018 (Sun)

The maturing of Japanese culture supported by the military and commoner classes continued throughout the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods. This gallery introduces the craft of interior furnishings and daily utensils that adorned the life of the people during these periods.

Current exhibit includes:
Writing Box, Design of gabions and plovers in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Carp, waterfall, and flowering plant design on divided purple and pale blue chirimen crepe ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mrs. Henry)
Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Design of paulownias and characters from the Kimigayo poem on a light blue ramie ground, Edo period, 19th century
Nail Covers, Design of narcissuses in cloisonné, Edo period, 17th–18th century
Large Dish, Peony arabesque design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Yamanaka Sadajiro)
Large Dish, Watermill design in underglaze blue, partly with celadon glaze, Nabeshima ware, Edo period, 17th–18th century (Private collection)

Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons, First Volume (detail), By Sakai Hoitsu, Edo period, dated 1818

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - June 3, 2018 (Sun)

This gallery introduces the dynamic and multi-faceted world of paintings and calligraphy from the Azuchi-Momoyama to the Edo period.

Current exhibit includes:
Flowers and Birds, By Shokado Shojo/Inscription by the artist, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Flowers and Birds, By Soga Chokuan, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century
Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons, First Volume, By Sakai Hoitsu, Edo period, dated 1818
Letter, By Sｈu Shunsui, Edo period, 17th century

Ryoto (Bugaku costume), Design of a double-vine peony arabesque in gold brocade on a dark blue ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Noh and Kabuki: Bugaku in Japan’s Medieval Period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (Sun)

A style of dance called Bugaku was introduced from continental Asia to Japan in the Nara period (710–794) and evolved as a form of entertainment performed at the imperial court in the following Heian period (794–1192). This exhibit presents masks, headwear, and costumes from the Niutsuhime Jinja shrine in Wakayama prefecture that were worn for Bugaku performances. These performances were held during the “Issai Kyoe” Buddhist ceremony, which has continued since the Kamakura period (1192–1333). We invite you to view these objects and their designs, which were created with materials and techniques unique to Japan’s medieval period..

Current exhibit includes:
Bugaku Mask, Taishotoku type, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Bugaku Mask, Onintei type, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Hanpi (Bugaku costume), Design of butterflies in kyokechi dyeing on a purple plain-weave silk ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Muromachi period, 15th century
Ryoto (Bugaku costume), Design of a double-vine peony arabesque in gold brocade on a dark blue ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Design of abalone strips and wisterias on a parti-colored white and reddish black figured-satin ground, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (Sun)

Introduces the fashion of the Edo period townspeople. Enjoy comparing with the ukiyo-e works exhibited in the same room.

Current exhibit includes:
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Design of abalone strips and wisterias on a parti-colored white and reddish black figured-satin ground, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Design of tea-picking scenes on a blue habutae-silk ground, Edo period, 19th century
Inro (Medicine case), Design of clam shells in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

Allusion to the Yatsuhashi Bridge from The Tales of Ise (detail), By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

May 15, 2018 (Tue) - June 3, 2018 (Sun)

The artistic genre of ukiyo-e originated and flourished in the Edo period (1603–1868), focusing its attention on the common people and their leisure activities and interests. Later, ukiyo-e prints began to be mass-produced using woodblocks, while subsequent advances in woodblock carving and printing led to the creation of multicolor prints called nishiki-e, or “brocade pictures,” so called because of their vibrant combinations of pigments. The current exhibition includes early monochrome prints, those with hand-brushed colors such as tan-e and urushi-e, as well as early ukiyo-e paintings by Kaigetsudo Ando and others. Depictions of beautiful women by Utamaro and flower-and-bird prints by Hiroshige are also on display. This selection is rich in variety while drawing on the seasonal themes of early summer.

Current exhibit includes:
Allusion to the Yatsuhashi Bridge from The Tales of Ise, By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century
Courtesan and Swallows, By Katsukawa Shunsho, Edo period, 18th century
Peonies of Nakanocho, By Torii Kiyonaga, Edo period, 18th century

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
July 22, 2018 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - July 22, 2018 (Sun)

Including:
Nine-Tailed Fox, Bishu Saito, 1986
Begining and End, By Kiho Takagi, 1995
Wind Shines, By Kozan Fukuyama, 1994
Squirrel, By Yako (Akemi) Ota, 1997
Lovelorn Ghost, By Michael Birch, Dated 1976

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

The Beauty of Hiragana Calligraphy: Koya-gire Segments

2nd floor
Room T1

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 1, 2018 (Sun)

Detached Segment of Kokin waka shu Poetry Anthology, Vol. 19 Known as “Koya gire” (detail), Attributed to Ki no Tsurayuki, Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mrs. Morita Chikuka)

Thematic Exhibition

The Beauty of Hiragana Calligraphy: Koya-gire Segments

2nd floor
Room T1

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 1, 2018 (Sun)

Segments of calligraphy known as the “Koya gire” constitute the oldest extant transcriptions of the Kokin waka shu poetry anthology. These segments are considered masterpieces of calligraphy, the elegance of which is unrivaled in the history of Japan, and they are the models on which today’s hiragana characters are based. This exhibition introduces the Koya-gire segments, other works by the same calligraphers, works similar to these segments, and other hiragana calligraphy from around the same time.

Current exhibit includes:
Detached Segment of Wakatai jisshu (Treatise on poetry), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Record of the Poetry Contest at the Palace of the Empress in the Kampyo Era, Attributed to Imperial Prince Munetaka, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Detached Segment of Kokin waka shu Poetry Anthology, Vol. 19 Known as “Koya gire”, Attributed to Ki no Tsurayuki, Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mrs. Morita Chikuka)
Man'yo shu Poetry Anthology, Genryaku Version, Vol. 1 Known as ”Furukawa bon”, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Man'yo shu Poetry Anthology, Genryaku Version, Vol. 2 Known as ”Furukawa bon”, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Album of Exemplary Calligraphy Known as ”Getsudai”, Nara–Kamakura period, 8th–14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 22, 2018 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
July 1, 2018 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

February 27, 2018 (Tue) -
May 20, 2018 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Tea Bowls of Japan: Raku Ware and Other Wares from Mino, Kyoto, Karatsu, and Takatori

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Mori Ogai's Autograph Manuscripts: Commemoring the 100th Anniversary of His Inauguration as the General Director of the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

May 15, 2018 (Tue) -
July 8, 2018 (Sun)
Ainu and Ryukyu: The Prayers of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 27, 2018 (Tue) -
May 20, 2018 (Sun)
Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

April 15, 2014 (Tue) -
March 31, 2020 (Tue)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

April 18, 2017 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)

Standing Bishamon, ten (Vaisravana) (detail), Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Dojoji, Wakayama)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 22, 2018 (Sun)

This gallery introduces the history of sculptural art in Japan through prototypical wood-sculptures featuring examples dating from the Heian and Kamakura periods, the zenith of Japanese sculpture.

Current exhibit includes:
Standing Kichijo Ten (Mahasri), Formerly passed down at Omiya Jinja, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, Heian period, 10th century
Standing Bishamon, ten (Vaisravana), Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Dojoji, Wakayama)

Writing Box, Scene portraying a poem known as "Otokoyama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - July 1, 2018 (Sun)

Features maki-e works from Heian to Edo period. The exhibit shows the history and beauty of maki-e, a unique lacquerwork method that developed in Japan.

Current exhibition includes:
Writing Box, Scene portraying a poem known as "Otokoyama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Box for Priest's Vestments, Seascape design in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, 10th century (National Treasure, Lent by Kyo'ogokokuji, Kyoto)
Chest with Legs, Suminoe Beach design in maki-e lacquer, Nanbokucho period, dated 1357 (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror Box, Paulownia, bamboo, and phoenix design in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Atsuta Jingu, Aichi)

Basin for Anointing an Image of the Infant Buddha, Design of hosoge flowers, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - June 24, 2018 (Sun)

This exhibition provides a historical overview of Japanese metalwork from the Heian (794–1192) to the Edo (1603–1868) period. Objects are displayed by category, such as Buddhist ritual implements, mirrors, tea kettles, objects with designs in cloisonné, decorative fittings, and okimono ornaments. Visitors are invited to view the beauty of metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron, as well as the shapes they were crafted into, and the designs they were freely embellished with.

Current exhibit includes:
Flower Basket, Openwork design, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)
Butterfly-shaped Kei Gong, Excavated at Miyabuchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Heian period, dated 1001 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Takahashi Tamotsu)
Waniguchi Gong, Excavated at Miyabuchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Heian period, dated 1001 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Takahashi Tamotsu)

Tachi Sword, By Yoshifusa, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - June 24, 2018 (Sun)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Tachi Sword By Yoshifusa.

Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, By Masatsune, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Koide Fusatada)
Tachi Sword, By Yoshifusa, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)

Bowl, Cherry tree design in overglaze enamel and openwork, By Nin'nami Dohachi, Edo period, 19th century

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

February 27, 2018 (Tue) - May 20, 2018 (Sun)

From Japan's first glazed ceramics of the Nara period to the various wares of the late Edo period, the exhibits will introduce the history of Japanese ceramics through masterworks according to time period and production sites.

Current exhibit includes:
Large Jar, Natural glaze, Tokoname ware, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Water Jar with Straight Lip, Known as “Shiba no Iori”, Shigaraki ware, Hitoeguchi type, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Bowl, Cherry tree design in overglaze enamel and openwork, By Nin'nami Dohachi, Edo period, 19th century
Large Jar, Flowering plant design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Kakiemon type, Edo period, 17th century

Tea Bowl, Known as "Hashi hime", Mino ware, Shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th-17th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

Thematic Exhibition

Tea Bowls of Japan: Raku Ware and Other Wares from Mino, Kyoto, Karatsu, and Takatori

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 24, 2018 (Sun)

This exhibition features Japanese-style tea bowls for use in the tea ceremony.
Visitors are invited to appreciate the charm of Japanese-style tea bowls from some of the most prominent kilns that added uniqueness to the tea ceremony.

Details

Ueno Park as Described under the Law (detail), By Mori Ogai, Dated 1920

Thematic Exhibition

Mori Ogai's Autograph Manuscripts: Commemoring the 100th Anniversary of His Inauguration as the General Director of the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

May 15, 2018 (Tue) - July 8, 2018 (Sun)

Mori Rintaro (Ogai) was one of the leading writers of modern Japan, and also worked as a doctor of medicine and held an important positon in the army. His last official position was, however, the General Director of the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum, the forerunner of the Tokyo National Museum (TNM). Recent research conducted by TNM has revealed that the Museum archives and collections include a considerable number of Ogai’s autograph manuscripts. This exhibition shows a large number of such materials and reveals Ogai’s approach to his work.

Details

Ritual Hoe-shaped Crest, Hokkaido Ainu, Excavated at Sakurayama, Kakuta, Kuriyama-cho, Hokkaido, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintaro)

Ainu and Ryukyu: The Prayers of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 27, 2018 (Tue) - May 20, 2018 (Sun)

The Ainu people believed that everything in their rich natural environment, from the vast plateaus of their native northern landscapes to the infinite expanse of the ocean, possessed a soul. Things which were essential to human life and beyond human capability were regarded as deities and worshipped. The Ainu believed that a stable lifestyle would be impossible without the provision and protection of the gods. They prayed for a life of continued peace, and held rituals to verbally express their gratitude toward the gods for heeding their prayers.
This exhibition features ritual items used by the Ainu people, including crowns and necklaces, as well as implements such as inau, iku-pasui, and wooden figurines. There are also various implements that were used in the ceremonial sacrifices of bears. Together with paintings of Ainu, these objects give us insight into how the Ainu people prayed to their gods.

Current exhibit includes:
Ritual Crown, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Spatula, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
Talisman, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crest, Hokkaido Ainu, Excavated at Sakurayama, Kakuta, Kuriyama-cho, Hokkaido, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintaro)
Portrait of Tobu, the Chieftain of Monbetsu, Ezo, By Kakizaki Hakyo, Edo period, dated 1783

Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

April 15, 2014 (Tue) - March 31, 2020 (Tue)

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The preservation and conservation of cultural properties are essential aspects of our Museum's mission. From this point of view, this room features object research and examination, environmental maintenance of storage and exhibition rooms, and conservation procedures applied in accordance to materials and conditions of the objects.

Flame (detail), By Uemura Shoen, Dated 1918

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (Sun)

This gallery features paintings and sculptures from the Meiji to Taisho period. Since it first opened in 1872 as the exposition venue of the Ministry of Education, Tokyo National Museum has collected important artworks that signify the development of modern Japanese art. The exhibit consists of selected works from the collection.

Current exhibit includes:
Flame, By Uemura Shoen, Dated 1918
Spring Rain, By Shimomura Kanzan, Dated 1916
Footed Bowl Brown glaze with applied crabs, By Miyagawa Kozan I, Dated 1881 (Important Cultural Property, Exhibited at the second National Industrial Exhibition)

Bingata Garment with Peony Design on White Cotton, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century *The Original artifact will be on display from July 25th to September 3rd 2017 in Gallery 16 of the Honkan (Japanese Gallery).

Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

April 18, 2017 (Tue) - August 5, 2018 (Sun)

This year’s reproduction project features a garment from Okinawa, made by using the island’s traditional bingata dyeing technique. With a mass of colorful peony flowers, buds, and leaves, all dyed on a white background, the original work is entitled: Bingata Garment with Peony Design on White Cotton. The intricate design structure and vivid colors gave our team ample opportunity to explore this superb dyeing technique that blossomed in the 19th-century Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa. What kind of dyeing techniques allow such minutely-detailed flower petals and leaf shapes, and what kind of culture nurtured the colorful style of bingata? This display explores answers to these questions through a combination of research, fieldwork, and hands-on reproduction.

Details

Exhibitions

May 18, 2018 (Fri), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"