Anniversary Projects

Tokyo National Museum’s Glassware Collection Domestic and Imported Works from the 19th Century

July 12, 2022 (Tue) - September 4, 2022 (Sun)

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14

This exhibition showcases select glassware from the Tokyo National Museum Collection. Most of these works were created around the time of Japan’s Meiji era (1868–1912) and were acquired early in the Museum’s history.

The lineup includes women’s hair ornaments and miniature accessories for hina dolls from the Edo period (1603–1868); works exhibited at one of Japan’s National Industrial Exhibitions; Japanese and European cut-glass objects; and British and French glassware donated to the Museum by a British designer. The exhibition presents domestic and imported glassware―an assortment unique to Tokyo National Museum, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Major Works in this Exhibition

Pair of Goblets, By Takeuchi Chūbei, Exhibited at the Second National Industrial Exhibition, Meiji era, ca. 1881 (Gift of the artist)

Cut-Glass (Kiriko) Bowl, By Miyagaki Hidejirō, Exhibited at the Second National Industrial Exhibition, Meiji era, ca. 1881

Vase with Frogs and a Dragonfly, United Kingdom, 19th century (Gift of J. Green & Nephew Ltd.)