Anniversary Projects

Copies in the Tokyo National Museum Collection
Exhibitions and Research in the Museum’s Early Period

September 6, 2022 (Tue) - October 30, 2022 (Sun)

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Rooms T1 & T2

Many copies were made during the early days of Tokyo National Museum (TNM) to aid research or supplement gaps in the Museum’s collection. The projects undertaken at the time to create these copies provide an insight into TNM’s history and modern Japanese principles of museum administration and preservation of cultural heritage. On the occasion of TNM’s 150th anniversary, this exhibition sheds light on these works to explore TNM’s early activities and the significance of creating copies in the modern era.

Major Works in this Exhibition

Writing Box with a Pontoon Bridge by Hon'ami Kōetsu (Copy), Copied by Mizoguchi Saburō, Taishō era, 1925;
Original: Edo period, 17th century, owned by Tokyo National Museum
(On exhibit from October 4, 2022)

Portrait Statue Traditionally Identified as Taira no Kiyomori (Sketch), By Yokoyama Taikan, Meiji era, 1888 or before;
Original: Kamakura period, 13th century, owned by Rokuharamitsuji Temple, Kyoto
(On exhibit from October 4, 2022)

Folding Screen with Bird Feathers Forming Characters in Seal Script (Copy), Copied by the Museum Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Meiji era, ca. 1877;
Original: Nara period, 8th century, from the Shōsōin Treasures
(On exhibit through October 2, 2022)