June 23, 2017 (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, 2017 (Mon) -
July 16, 2017 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

May 30, 2017 (Tue) -
July 9, 2017 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Documents Related to the Priest Enchin, Document from the Ministry of Civil Administration appointing Enchin as an attendant monk

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

June 6, 2017 (Tue) -
July 2, 2017 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

May 30, 2017 (Tue) -
July 9, 2017 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

May 30, 2017 (Tue) -
July 9, 2017 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

May 30, 2017 (Tue) -
July 9, 2017 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
September 18, 2017 (Mon)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian - Edo period

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

June 6, 2017 (Tue) -
August 27, 2017 (Sun)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

May 30, 2017 (Tue) -
July 2, 2017 (Sun)
The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 9, 2017 (Tue) -
July 30, 2017 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 9, 2017 (Tue) -
June 25, 2017 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes for the Noh Play Kamo

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
August 6, 2017 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
August 6, 2017 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
July 9, 2017 (Sun)

Mirror, Deity and horse carriage design (detail), From Samitatakarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th-5th century (Originally made in China, 2nd-3rd century) (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2017 (Mon) - July 16, 2017 (Sun)

The Jomon culture began around 12,000 years ago. Earthenware vessels of this age with various motifs and styles are the starting point of "Highlights of Japanese Art." In the Yayoi period (450 B.C.- A.D. 250), pottery with a simplistic yet refined beauty and dotaku bell-shaped bronzes were prominent. Typical objects from the Kofun period (A.D. 250-600), such as haji, sue wares and haniwa figurines, as well as mirrors, arms and armor, saddlery, and accessory, which expresses the essence of metal and glass craftsmanship, are also featured.

Current exhibit includes:
Deep Bowl, From Ubayama Shell Mound, Kashiwai-machi, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, Jomon period, 3000-2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Sugihara Sosuke)
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figure), Warrior in Armor, From Kamishiba Tumulus, Misato-machi, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figure), Monkey, Attributed provenance: Dainichizuka Tumulus, Okinosu, Namegata-shi, Ibaraki, Kofun period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property)
Jar, From Kugahara, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Yayoi period, 1st-3rd century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Mirror, Deity and horse carriage design, From Samitatakarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th-5th century (Originally made in China, 2nd-3rd century) (Important Cultural Property)
Ridge-end Tile, From former Fuchidaka Temple site, Fuchidaka-cho, Aisai-shi, Aichi, Nara period, 8th century

Tomoku bosatsu kyo Sutra, Vol. 2Votive sutra of Kibi no Yuri (detail), Nara period, dated 766 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Sorimachi Eisaku)

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

May 30, 2017 (Tue) - July 9, 2017 (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, Horyuji Treasures, Asuka period, 7th century
Tomoku bosatsu kyo Sutra, Vol. 2Votive sutra of Kibi no Yuri, Nara period, dated 766 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Sorimachi Eisaku)
Ritual Objects Used to Consecrate Site of Kohfukuji Temple, Excavated from under altar of Main Hall at Kohfukuji, Nara, Nara period, 8th century (National Treasure)

Documents Related to the Priest Enchin, Document from the Ministry of Civil Administration appointing Enchin as an attendant monk (detal), Heian period, dated 850 (National Treasure)

National Treasure Gallery: Documents Related to the Priest Enchin, Document from the Ministry of Civil Administration appointing Enchin as an attendant monk

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

June 6, 2017 (Tue) - July 2, 2017 (Sun)

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Administration, this document certified the appointment of Priest Enchin (posthumus name: Chisho Daishi) as an attendant monk who would serve the emperor at Court. This document, on which Chinese-style characters were skillfully written, was specially prepared as Enchin’s identification for his visit to Tang China. Together with other documents related to Enchin, it was passed down through the ages at Onjoji temple in Shiga prefecture.

List of Exhibits

Words of Prayer by Taira no Yukimasa (detail), By Sesonji Sadanari, Kamakura period, 1284 (Important Cultural Property)

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

May 30, 2017 (Tue) - July 9, 2017 (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 Muromachi periods.

Current exhibit includes:
Standing Prince Shotoku, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century (Lent by Honshoji, Aichi)
Shijoko Nyorai （Vikirnosnisa), Kamakura period, 14th century (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kyuzo)
Fugen (Samantabhadra) with Ten Rasetsunyo (Raksasis), Kamakura period, 14th century (Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Words of Prayer, By Sesonji Sadanari, Kamakura period, dated 1284 (Important Cultural Property)
Words of Prayer by Fujiwara no Moromichi, Heian period, dated 1088 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Illustrated Scroll of the Warrior Watanabe no Tsuna (detail), Muromachi period, 16th century

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

May 30, 2017 (Tue) - July 9, 2017 (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 are displayed in this room with decorative art objects.

Current exhibit includes:
Illustrated Scroll of the Warrior Watanabe no Tsuna, Muromachi period, 16th century
Segment of Ise shu Poetry Anthology, Known as "Orikeru" section of "Ishiyama gire", Attributed to Fujiwara no Kinto, Heian period, 12th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Mr. Takagi Seikaku)
Eight-foiled Mirror, Auspicious flower and pair of phoenixes design, Heian period, 11th–12th century (Lent by Izusan jinja, Shizuoka)

Chinese Statesman Lu Shang and King Wen (detail), Attributed to Kano Motonobu, Formerly sliding door paintings at Daisen-in, Daitokuji, Kyoto, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

May 30, 2017 (Tue) - July 9, 2017 (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:
Chinese Statesman Lu Shang and King Wen, Attributed to Kano Motonobu, Formerly sliding door paintings at Daisen-in, Daitokuji, Kyoto, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Taoist Immortals Queen Mother of the West and King Father of the East, Attributed to Kano Motonobu, Formerly sliding door paintings at Daisen-in, Daitokuji, Kyoto, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Bowl, Known as “Bakohan”; celadon glaze, Longquan ware, China, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - September 18, 2017 (Mon)

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:
Flower Vase in Shape of Jade Cong, Celadon glaze, Guan ware, China, Formerly preserved by the Owari Tokugawa family, Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Shinnari　type, Pine tree design, Ashiya ware, Muromachi period, 15th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Bowl, Known as “Bakohan”; celadon glaze, Longquan ware, China, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)
Poems Composed at poetry gathering during Emperor Gotoba's visit to Kumano shrine, By Fujiwara no Teika, Kamakura period, dated 1201 (Important Art Object, Private collection, on exhibit from August 1, 2017)

Gusoku Type Armor, With two-piece cuirass with red lacing, Edo period, 17th century

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian - Edo period

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

June 6, 2017 (Tue) - August 27, 2017 (Sun)

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:
Gusoku Type Armor, With two-piece cuirass with red lacing, Edo period, 17th century
Tachi Sword, Known as "Hojo Tachi", By Ichimonji school, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Hyogogusari Style Sword Mounting (for sword known as "Hojo Tachi"), With triple-triangle crests, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Katana Sword, Attributed to Motoshige, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Uchigatana Style Sword Mounting (for katana sword attributed to Motoshige), With red-lacquered scabbard, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Wind God and Thunder God (detail), By Ogata Korin, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

May 30, 2017 (Tue) - July 2, 2017 (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:
Wind God and Thunder God, By Ogata Korin, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)

Water Jar, Light blue glaze with lotus design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 9, 2017 (Tue) - July 30, 2017 (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:
Cabinet, Fishing net and heron design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 17th century
Uchikake (Outer garment), Plum, chrysanthemum, wisteria, iris bouquet, round fan, and fret pattern design on white figured satin ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mrs. Henry)
Hitoe (Unlined summer garment), Stream, autumn grasses, and cicada design on purple ro gauze ground, Edo period, 19th century
Nail Covers, Narcissus design in cloisonné, Edo period, 17th–18th century
Water Jar, Light blue glaze with lotus design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century

Ode to the Red Cliff, Calligraphy by Hon'ami Koetsu, Edo period, 17th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 9, 2017 (Tue) - June 25, 2017 (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:
The Birth of Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto, By Kano Tan'yu, Edo period, 17th century
Landscapes of Izu and Sagami Peninsulas, Volume 2, By Tani Buncho, Edo period, dated 1793 (Important Cultural Property)
Ode to the Red Cliff, Calligraphy by Hon'ami Koetsu, Edo period, 17th century

Karaori (Noh Costume), Interlocking circle and framed picture design on red ground (detail), Edo period, 18th century

Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes for the Noh Play Kamo

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - August 6, 2017 (Sun)

Displayed here are masks and costumes from the Edo period (1603–1868) that were donned for the Noh play Kamo. The setting of this play is Shimogamo Jinja shrine in Kyoto. In the latter half of the play, an ancestral god worshipped at the shrine dances in the guise of a heavenly maiden. Drawn by this dance, the thunder god of the shrine, Wake Ikazuchi, appears and preaches about the blessing the gods are capable of bestowing. In contrast to the graceful countenance of the female ancestral god, the male thunder god wears a golden otobide mask and is depicted with a menacing appearance.

Current exhibit includes:
Karaori (Noh Costume), Interlocking circle and framed picture design on red ground, Edo period, 18th century
Choken (Noh costume), Peony arabesque, butterfly, and bird design on dark blue ground, Edo period, 18th centuryぜ

Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Cracked ice, maple leaf, and Chinese character design on black ramie ground (detail), Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - August 6, 2017 (Sun)

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

Current exhibit includes:
Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Cracked ice, maple leaf, and Chinese character design on black ramie ground, Edo period, 18th century
Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Wave, plover, and flowering plant design on brown ramie ground, Edo period, 18th century
Inro (Medicine case), Coiled dragon and phoenix design in maki-e lacquer and mother of pearl inlay, Edo period, 19th century

Beauty Writing a Wish on a Poem Card for the Star Festival (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

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - July 9, 2017 (Sun)

Ukiyo-e, which portray the daily lives of townspeople during the Edo period (1603–1868), were initially comprised solely of hand-painted works. Later, ukiyo-e were mass-produced through woodblock printing, followed by advances in carving and printing techniques that allowed for multicolored prints. This exhibit introduces woodblock prints made as series, such as ones by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806) and Keisai Eisen (1790–1848). Hand-painted works featuring seasonal themes of early summer, such as the Star Festival and dragonfly viewing, are also on display.

Current exhibit includes:
Standing Courtesan, By Kaigetsudo Doshu, Edo period, 18th century
Beauty Writing a Wish on a Poem Card for the Star Festival, By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century
Poems on Flowers of the Four Seasons: Irises, By Katsukawa Shuncho, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)
Renowned Beauties Likened to the Six Immortal Poets: Tomimoto Toyohina, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, 18th century

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 25, 2017 (Tue) -
July 30, 2017 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 25, 2017 (Tue) - July 30, 2017 (Sun)

Including:
Cut Piece: Apple, By Akira Kuroiwa, 1997
Hagoromo, By Isshu Kishi, 1988
Grooming, By Kiho Takagi, 1995
Owl, By Onosato Zanmai, 2002
Hatching Gecko, By Susan Wraight, 1997

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

April 18, 2017 (Tue) -
July 23, 2017 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

June 20, 2017 (Tue) -
September 24, 2017 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
September 18, 2017 (Mon)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 25, 2017 (Tue) -
July 17, 2017 (Mon)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
September 3, 2017 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Japanese Masks: Bugaku and Gyodo

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

May 23, 2017 (Tue) -
August 27, 2017 (Sun)
Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
August 6, 2017 (Sun)
Life in Ryukyu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

June 13, 2017 (Tue) -
September 3, 2017 (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 30, 2017 (Tue) -
July 9, 2017 (Sun)
Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

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

Standing Amida Nyorai (Amitabha) (detail), Kamakura period, 13th century (On exhibit from May 9, 2017)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

April 18, 2017 (Tue) - July 23, 2017 (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:
Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra) on Elephant, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo, On exhibit from May 9, 2017)
Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu (Aryavalokitesvara), Heian period, 9th-10th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kanshinji, Osaka, On exhibit from May 9, 2017)
Standing Juni Shinsho (Twelve Heavenly Generals), Kamakura period, 12th-13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Sogenji, Kanagawa, On exhibit from May 9, 2017)

Saddle, Lion design in mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian-Kamakura period, 12th-13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kano Jigoro)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

June 20, 2017 (Tue) - September 24, 2017 (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, Fulling cloth design in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Saddle, Lion design in mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian-Kamakura period, 12th-13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kano Jigoro)
Saddle, Bush clover design in mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror Box, Mount Penglai (Island of immortals) design in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Atsuta Jingu, Aichi)

Kei GongIn shape of butterfly, Excavated at Miyabuchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Heian period, dated 1001 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Takahashi Tamotsu)

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - September 18, 2017 (Mon)

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:
Kei GongIn shape of butterfly, 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)
Travelling Monk's Portable Chest, Muromachi period, dated 1430 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jikomyoin, Yamagata)
Flower Basket, Hosoge floral arabesque design in openwork, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)

Katana SwordKnown as "Nakigitsune" (detail), By Kuniyoshi, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 25, 2017 (Tue) - July 17, 2017 (Mon)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Katana Sword, Known as “Nakigitsune”, By Kuniyoshi.

Current exhibit includes:
Katana SwordKnown as "Nakigitsune", By Kuniyoshi, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Okada giri", By Yoshifusa, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)
Sword Guard, Tomoe (comma shapes) design in openwork, By Nobuie, Azuchi–Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, on exhibit from May 9, 2017)

Tiered Box with Handle, Dragon and wave design in underglaze blue, By Aoki Mokubei, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kasagi Toru)

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - September 3, 2017 (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)
Large Jar, Tomoe (comma shapes) design, Suzu ware, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Tiered Box with Handle, Dragon and wave design in underglaze blue, By Aoki Mokubei, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kasagi Toru)
Water Jar, Peony design in overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Empress Dowager Shoken)
Hexagonal DishJuro (God of longevity) design in underglaze iron pigment, By Ogata Korin, and Ogata Kenzan (Shinsei), Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Sake Ewer, Peony and lion design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Large Dish with Foliate Rim, Flying phoenix design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Ms. Yamamoto Tomiko and Mr. Yamamoto Kenji)

Gyodo Mask: Gobujogoten, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 14th century

Thematic Exhibition

Japanese Masks: Bugaku and Gyodo

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

May 23, 2017 (Tue) - August 27, 2017 (Sun)

Current exhibit includes:
Bodhisattva Mask, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Juzo Jinja, Ishikawa)
Bugaku Mask: Kotokuraku, Heian period, dated 1160 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Tamukeyama Hachimangu, Nara)
Bugaku Mask: Nasori, Heian period, dated 1178(Important Cultural Property, Lent by Atsuta Jingu, Aichi, on exhibit through July 9, 2017)
Bugaku Mask: Warawamai, Kamakura period, dated 1211(Important Cultural Property, Lent by Masumida Jinja, Aichi, on exhibit from July 11, 2017)
Gyodo Mask: Gobujogoten, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 14th century

Details

Dissertatio de generatione et metamorphosibus insectorum Surinamensium (detail), By Anna Maria Sibylla Merian, Gift of Mr. Alexander Siebold, Dated 1726

Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - August 6, 2017 (Sun)

Tokyo National Museum includes a large collection of historical objects and documents. This collection began with objects previously owned by the Edo shogunate government. From the museum's establishment in 1872 (Meiji 5) onward, the collection grew through the holding of exhibitions as well as surveys of cultural properties.

Current exhibit includes:
Dissertatio de generatione et metamorphosibus insectorum Surinamensium, By Anna Maria Sibylla Merian, Gift of Mr. Alexander Siebold, Dated 1726
Report of the World Exposition at America, Meiji era, dated 1876
Tachi Kosaku Photograph of the Bunkyu Mission to Europe, Attributed to Robillard (on exhibit through July 9, 2017)

Ritual Bead Necklace, Amami Oshima Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)

Life in Ryukyu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

June 13, 2017 (Tue) - September 3, 2017 (Sun)

Tokyo National Museum’s collection of materials from Ryukyu (present-day Okinawa) comprises mainly objects purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce from Okinawa prefecture in 1884. In addition to these, special mention should be made of the donated materials related to the noro (female shamans) of Yamato-mura on Amami Oshima island in Kagoshima prefecture. These materials are all significant for the study of Ryukyu culture.
This display presents life in Ryukyu through glistening metalwork objects, textiles in vivid colors, lacquerware showing Chinese influence, as well as ritual implements used by noro, such as a range of objects made from beads.

Current exhibit includes:
Covered Food Box, Figure under tree design in mother-of-pearl inlay and gold inlay, Okinawa Main Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 18th century (on exhibit through July 23, 2017)
Ritual Bead Necklace, Amami Oshima Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)
Small Dishes, Peony design in overglaze enamel, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century
Jar, Yaeyama Islands, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 17th century
Garment in Bingata Stencil DyeingPeony design on white cotton ground, Okinawa Main Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century　(on exhibit from July 25, 2017)

Related Exhibition
Creation Process of Bingata　 Room 19 April 18, 2017 (Tue) - March 31, 2018 (Sat)

Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

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

>> detailed information
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.

Eight Views of Omi Province (deatil), By Imamura Shiko, Dated 1912 (Important Cultural Property)

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

May 30, 2017 (Tue) - July 9, 2017 (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:
Eight Views of Omi Province, By Imamura Shiko, Dated 1912 (Important Cultural Property)
Portrait of Madame H, By Wada Eisaku, Dated 1911 (Gift of Mr. Hatano Mototake)
Woman, By Ogiwara Morie, Mold: 1910; cast: 2010
Eagle, By Suzuki Chokichi, Dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago)

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

June 23, 2017 (Fri), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

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

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

National Treasure Gallery: Documents Related to the Priest Enchin, Document from the Ministry of Civil Administration appointing Enchin as an attendant monk

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

The Art of Tea Ceremony

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian - Edo period

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

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

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

Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes for the Noh Play Kamo

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

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

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

Japanese Masks: Bugaku and Gyodo

Records of History

Life in Ryukyu

Conservation and Restoration

Modern Art

Creation Process of Bingata

Exhibitions and Events

Visitor Information

Education

Collections

Research

About TNM

Other