Past Other Events

This exhibition sheds light on Indonesian textiles and ceramics collected by Okano Shigezo (1894–1975), a Japanese entrepreneur who moved to and achieved success in Indonesia’s Sumatra in the early 20th century.
The lineup of textiles includes batik and ikat from Sumatra, Java, and other areas. These textiles, rich in regional flavor, provide an overview of cultural exchange that took place in this country and the textile techniques that were brought from India to Southeast Asia, eventually to Japan. Also included are Southeast Asian ceramic wares collected by Okano as well as Chinese ceramics that were made for export to Indonesia.
With the catch phrase “A Bridge across the Sea,” visitors are invited to view a range of unique artworks associated with Indonesia.

Kain Panjang (Waist garment), Design of an arabesque with birds and beasts in batik dyeing on a white ground Pekalongan, northern coast of Java, Indonesia, First half of the 20th century

Vase with Phoenix Head, White porcelain China, Northern Song dynasty, 11th century

Wayang is a form of shadow-puppet theater which uses traditional puppets of Indonesia. Around the 10th century, the ancient Indian epic poems Mahabharata and Ramayana were introduced together with Hinduism to Indonesia, where they spread among the populace. The epics came to be performed using puppets called Wayang Kulit. Wayang puppets are cut from water buffalo hide, carved intricately with fine chisels, and decorated in vibrant colors. The sticks for manipulating the puppets are mostly made from water buffalo horn. The puppeteer, called a dhalang, maneuvers all the puppets in a play, delivers the lines, and even gives directions to the gamelan, an accompanying group of musicians. Although Wayang plays are based on famous epics, they are performed spontaneously through the dhalang’s improvisations. Performances are carried out through the night.

Wayang Kulit: Betara Guru Central Java, Indonesia, Second half of 20th century (Gift of Mr. Matsumoto Ryo)

Wayang Golek: Umarmoyo Central Java, Indonesia, 20th century (Gift of Mr. Taeda Tsuyoshi)

This part focuses on Southeast Asian gilt bronze statues of gods and Buddhist deities from the 7th to 13th century. The statues are made using the lost-wax casting process, and therefore they have common qualities in their plasticity and smoothness of form.

Seated Jambhala or Kubera Indonesia, Central Java period, 8th–9th century

The excavated pottery and metal wares exhibited in this part clearly show the prosperity of cultures with rich regional characteristics in ancient India and Southeast Asia.

Bronze Drum Excavated in eastern Indonesia, Early Metal age, 6th–12th century

This exhibition introduces Indonesian textiles collected by Okano Shigezo (1894–1975), an entrepreneur who was active in Indonesia during the pre-war period. After moving to the island of Sumatra in 1914, Okano became independent in 1919 and established a trading firm named Daishin and Co. From 1933 onward, he opened a department store chain, Chiyoda Department Store, Co. Ltd., in various parts of the island of Java, and engaged actively in business activities mainly on Java and Sumatra. When the Second World War broke out, Okano collected Indonesian textiles to take back to Japan along with his other assets. After he returned to Japan, his textile collection, except for 120 pieces that entered the Tokyo National Museum collection, was sold. The lineup of this exhibition includes gorgeous Sumatran textiles woven with gold thread, Javanese batik that are rich in regional flavor, and unique ikat textiles created on the islands of Indonesia.

Waistcoat, Design of stripes in float weave on a purple ground Sumatra, Indonesia, 20th century

The kris is an iron knife that was widely used on the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding islands in Southeast Asia. Kris blades are either straight or wavy, and many of them have complex linear patterns created through a special technique. With their strange and distinctive appearance, kris knives were believed to contain supernatural powers, granting their male owners protection and also acting as symbols of prestige. This exhibition introduces Indonesian kris knives from the museum’s collection by region, including Java and Sulawesi, as well as spears, and explores the hidden meanings and wishes imbued in these weapons.

Kris Eastern Java, Indonesia, 17th–18th century (Gift of Mr. J. C. Bijleveld)

Special Tours: Journey through Indonesia with TNM Curators (in Japanese)

Each day there will be a 70-minute tour of the Toyokan (Asian Gallery) led by three curators.

・September 11, 2018 (Tue) 14:00-15:10 「Tour Featuring Indonesian Ethnic Cultures」 ・September 19, 2018 (Wed) 14:00-15:10 「Tour Featuring Indonesian Arts and Crafts」 Meeting place： Toyokan entrance hall *Participants will walk through the Toyokan galleries. Please join wearing comfortable shoes.

Wayang Kulit: Shadow Puppet Theater of Java

Traditional Indonesian puppet theater, Wayang kulit, will be performed.

・September 12. 2018 (Wed) 13:00-13:40 15:00-15:40 ・September 14. 2018 (Fri) 11:00-11:40 13:00-13:40 Venue: Hyokeikan Performance by: Sumilir Seating Capacity: 130

Easy Seated Yoga in Toyokan

Surrounded by magnificent Buddhist statues, participants will go through a variety of seated yoga poses to soothe the body and soul.

September 28, 2018 (Fri) beginning at 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, and 15:30 15-minute sessions Instructor: Miho Watanabe Room 1, Toyokan 20 seats on a first-come first-served basis