April 18, 2019 (Thu), 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, 2019 (Wed) -
June 23, 2019 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

March 12, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: List of Ritual Objects for Esoteric Buddhism Brought from China by Priest Saicho

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

April 9, 2019 (Tue) -
May 12, 2019 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

March 12, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

March 12, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

March 12, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

April 2, 2019 (Tue) -
June 16, 2019 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

March 12, 2019 (Tue) -
June 2, 2019 (Sun)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

March 12, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

2019 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8 & Room 11

April 16, 2019 (Tue) -
May 6, 2019 (Mon)
Noh and Kabuki: The Beauty of Karaori, Noh Costumes Formerly Owned by the Uesugi Family

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

February 26, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

February 26, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 16, 2019 (Tue) -
May 6, 2019 (Mon)

Dogu (Clay figurine) with an Owl-shaped Face, Excavated at Takimamuro, Konosu-shi, Saitama, Jomon period, 1000 –400BC

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - June 23, 2019 (Sun)

The roots of Japanese aesthetics can be seen in earthenware from the Jomon and Yayoi periods, as well as in dogu (small earthen figurines from Jomon period), dotaku (bronze bell-shaped ritual item from the Yayoi period), haniwa (terracotta figures from the Kofun period) and bronze mirrors (used as symbols of authority in the Yayoi and Kofun periods).

Current exhibit includes:
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated at Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Design of Crossed Bands, Excavated at Azaｍukaiyama, Ibaraki, Hidaka-cho, Wakayama, Yayoi period, 1st-3rd century
Dogu (Clay figurine) with an Owl-shaped Face, Excavated at Takimamuro, Konosu-shi, Saitama, Jomon period, 1000 –400BC
Visored Helmet, With gilt-bronze decoration, Excavated at Nihonmatsuyama Tumulus, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui, Kofun period, 5th century

Segment of Annotated Ryoga kyo (Lankavatara Sutra) , Nara period, 8th century (Gift of Mr. Uemura Wado)

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

March 12, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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:
Seated Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) with One Leg Pendent, Excavated from Mount Nachi, Nachikatsu'ura-cho, Wakayama, Asuka period, 7th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro and others)
Seated Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha), Formerly owned by Kinrinji and Kosanji, Kyoto, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

List of Ritual Objects for Esoteric Buddhism Brought from China by Priest Saicho, By Saicho, Heian period, dated 811 (National Treasure, Lent by Enryakuji, Shiga)

National Treasure Gallery: List of Ritual Objects for Esoteric Buddhism Brought from China by Priest Saicho

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

April 9, 2019 (Tue) - May 12, 2019 (Sun)

On display is one of the few surviving writings by Saicho (767–822), an accomplished Buddhist monk. Saicho made the difficult journey to China to study the Tiantai school—the latest school of Buddhist thought and practice at the time. After his return to Japan, he established this school at a temple complex on Mount Hiei near Kyoto.
This writing, which remains as a fragment, originally listed 66 ritual implements and sacred texts that Saicho brought back from China and placed in two buildings on Mount Hiei. With red seals stamped over the text to prevent it from being altered, this fragment is direct evidence of Saicho’s efforts to establish the latest Buddhist teachings in his home country.

List of Exhibits

Aji Mandala (detail), Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya)

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

March 12, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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:
Attendant Bodhisattva on a Cloud, Formerly passed down at Byodoin temple, Kyoto, Heian period, dated 1053 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Butsugen Mandala, Kamakura period, 13th century, Important Cultural Property, Lent by Honsenji, Tokyo
Illustrated Biography of Prince Shotoku, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Private collection)
Prince Shotoku Preaching on Shoman gyo (Lion's Roar of Queen Srimala Sutra), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Art Object, Lent Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART)
Illustrated Biography of Priest Honen, Vol. 5, Kamakura period, dated 1323 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Joufukuji, Ibaraki)
Surviving Scroll of Illustrated Legends of Shitennoji Temple, By Koremune Sueshige, Heian period, dated 1173 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Sanzen'in, Kyoto)

Fragment of Kokin wakashu Poetry AnthologyRyosagire segment, By Fujiwara no Shunzei, Heian period, 12th century

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

March 12, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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 Legends about the Origin of Kitano Tenjin Shrine, Vol. 1, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Aging as a Walk on Oinosaka Slope, Artist unknown, Kamakura period, 14th century
Record of poem contests held by Tsunehira no Daini, Attributed to Fujiwara no Toshitada, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove (detail), By Keison, Muromachi period, 16th century

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

March 12, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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:
Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, By Keison, Muromachi period, 16th century

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)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

April 2, 2019 (Tue) - June 16, 2019 (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:
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)
Bag-shaped Waste Water Jar, Copper alloy with lead and tin (sahari), China, Ming dynasty, 15th–16th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Flower Vase, Design resembling the Noh play Takasago in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen ware, Kosometsuke type, China, Ming dynasty, 17th century
Poem on Shikishi Paper, Attributed to Ono no Tofu, Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tea Bowl, Totoya type; Known as "Sawarabi", Korea, Joseon dynasty, 16th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

Domaru ArmorBlack leather lacing with white lacing above, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

March 12, 2019 (Tue) - June 2, 2019 (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:
Domaru ArmorBlack leather lacing with white lacing above, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tanto Sword, By Kanemitsu, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Oogamiyama Jinja, Tottori)
Aikuchi Style Sword Mounting (For a tanto sword by Kanemitsu), Gold plated, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Oogamiyama Jinja, Tottori)
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Cherry blossom design on dark blue heiken plain weave silk (crest: three sectioned floral roundels in circle), Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Asakura Hanji)

Inu ou mono (Dog-shooting equestrian archery contest) (detail), Artist unknown, Edo period, 17th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

March 12, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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:
Scenes from The Tale of Genji, From the chapter Wakana jo ("New Herbs": part I), Attributed to Tosa Mitsunori, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)
Bugaku] Dances and Music, By Kano Eigaku, Edo period, 19th century

Standing Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), Nara Period, 8th century, Toshodaiji Temple, Nara (National Treasure)

Thematic Exhibition

2019 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8 & Room 11

April 16, 2019 (Tue) - May 6, 2019 (Mon)

This exhibition introduces 45 objects from among those newly designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in 2019.

Details

Karaori Noh Costume, Design of ramie leaves, wisterias, and shikishi and tanzaku poem cards on a red and brown checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century

Noh and Kabuki: The Beauty of Karaori, Noh Costumes Formerly Owned by the Uesugi Family

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

February 26, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (Sun)

The word "karaori" translates as "Chinese weave," though it actually refers to a type of brocade that was developed in Japan from around the 16th century and used in costumes for female roles in Noh theater. Uesugi Tsunanori (1663–1704) and Uesugi Shigesada (1720–1798), the fourth and eighth generation heads of the Uesugi family of Yonezawa Domain, were particularly renowned admirers of Noh theater. This love for Noh is on clear display in this collection of lavish karaori garments.

Current exhibit includes:
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of hardy begonias and baskets on a brown ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of ramie leaves, wisterias, and shikishi and tanzaku poem cards on a red and brown checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of triple hexagons, courtly carriages, and books on a red and light blue checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of [shippo] interlocking circles and framed pictures on a red ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century

Kaidori (Outer garment), Design of a waterfall, cherries, and bamboos on a pink, chirimen-crepe ground, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

February 26, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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 weeping cherry trees and [seigaiha] stylized waves on a dark-blue figured-satin ground, Edo period, 18th century, Private collection
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Design of the Eight Views of Omi on a light-blue plain-weave-silk ground, Edo period, 18th century
Inro (Medicine case), Design of peach blossoms and pigeons in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century

Five Festivals for Children: Boy's Festival (detail), By Torii Kiyonaga, Edo period, 18th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 16, 2019 (Tue) - May 6, 2019 (Mon)

In the 17th century, painters started depicting the lives of commoners in a genre known as ukiyo-e. With the advent of new printing technology, these images began to be reproduced in high numbers, and ukiyo-e gradually spread to all layers of society. The addition of colorists to the publishers’ craftsmen also led to the birth of the color print in the mid-18th century. From April 16–May 6, 2019, this gallery displays ukiyo-e paintings and prints depicting seasonal motifs such as cherry blossoms and kerria roses. Images of warriors and the courageous folk hero Kintaro, who appears as a symbol of strength on Children’s Day (May 5) are also included.

Current exhibit includes:
Five Festivals for Children: Boy's Festival, By Torii Kiyonaga, Edo period, 18th century
Courtesan and Swallows, By Katsukawa Shunsho, Edo period, 18th century
One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Suidobashi Bridge and Surugadai, By Utagawa Hiroshige, Edo period, dated 1857 (Gift of Mrs. Mitani Tei)

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 16, 2019 (Tue) -
July 28, 2019 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 16, 2019 (Tue) - July 28, 2019 (Sun)

Including:
Strange Things Do Happen!, Kangyoku Tachihara, 1992
Melon, Kinuyo Hariya, 1996
Ground Cherry, Seiho Azuma, 1994
Squirrel, Tadamine Nakagawa, 1989
Hatching Snake, Susan Wraight, 1993

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

January 22, 2019 (Tue) -
June 16, 2019 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

April 2, 2019 (Tue) -
June 16, 2019 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 9, 2019 (Tue) -
June 30, 2019 (Sun)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

February 19, 2019 (Tue) -
May 12, 2019 (Sun)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

March 19, 2019 (Tue) -
June 2, 2019 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

The World of Esoteric Buddhist Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

March 19, 2019 (Tue) -
June 23, 2019 (Sun)
Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

February 26, 2019 (Tue) -
April 21, 2019 (Sun)
Ainu and Ryukyu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 26, 2019 (Tue) -
June 2, 2019 (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

March 5, 2019 (Tue) -
May 26, 2019 (Sun)
Oshidashi Butsu－Reproducing the Repousse Buddhist Image-Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

August 7, 2018 (Tue) -
September 16, 2019 (Mon)

Standing Zao Gongen, Kamakura period, 12th–13th century (On exhibit through April 14, 2019; On exhibit from May 8, 2019)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

January 22, 2019 (Tue) - June 16, 2019 (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:
Seated Shinto Deity Hachiman, By Kyokaku, Kamakura period, dated 1326 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Akana Hachimangu, Shimane, On exhibit through April 14, 2019; On exhibit from May 8, 2019)

Writing Box, Mount Hira design in maki-e lacquer, By Shiomi Masanari, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

April 2, 2019 (Tue) - June 16, 2019 (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, Mount Hatsuse design in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Writing Box, Mount Hira design in maki-e lacquer, By Shiomi Masanari, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)
Sake Flask, Paulownia, bamboo, and phoenix design in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Tamukeyama Hachimangu, Nara)
Tebako (Cosmetic box), Sumino-e seascape design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura period, dated 1228 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Rin'noji, Tochigi)
Raiban (Abbot's seat), Gentian flower roundel design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Articulated Figure, Hawk, By Myochin Kiyoharu, Edo period, 18th-19th century

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 9, 2019 (Tue) - June 30, 2019 (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:
Articulated Figure, Spiny lobster, By Myochin Munekiyo, Edo period, 18th-19th century
Articulated Figure, Hawk, By Myochin Kiyoharu, Edo period, 18th-19th century
Hanging Incense Burner in Shape of Flower Basket, Edo period, 18th century

Katana Sword, Known as "Kanze Masamune" Unsigned (detail), By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

February 19, 2019 (Tue) - May 12, 2019 (Sun)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Katana Sword, Known as "Kanze Masamune" Unsigned By Masamune.

Current exhibit includes:
Tanto Sword, By Mitsukane, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Katana Sword, Known as "Kanze Masamune" Unsigned, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure)

Flower Vase in the Shape of Flask, Bizen ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

March 19, 2019 (Tue) - June 2, 2019 (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, Echizen ware, Muromachi period, 16th century (Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Set of Rectangular Mukozuke Dishes, Designs of plum trees, Mino ware, Oribe type, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)
Flower Vase in the Shape of Flask, Bizen ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Dish, Design of karahana flowers in overglaze enamel, Nabeshima ware, Edo period, 17th-18th century
Large Dish, Design of cherry blossoms and figures in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 18th century
Large Dish, Flower-and-bird design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)

Seated Aizen Myoo (Ragaraja)　(detail), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

The World of Esoteric Buddhist Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

March 19, 2019 (Tue) - June 23, 2019 (Sun)

This thematic exhibition introduces this unique world of Esoteric Buddhist deities, principally through items from Tokyo National Museum's collection. It can be enjoyed together with the special exhibition National Treasures of To-ji Temple; Kukai and the Sculpture Mandala, held in the Heiseikan from March 26 to June 2.

Details

Album of Birds: Mountain Birds, Vol.1, Compiled by Hotta Masaatsu, Edo period, 18th-19th century

Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

February 26, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (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:
Ink Rubbing of Three Epitaphs for Yagishi from Uchi, Nanto, Present-day Nara, Inscription by Ichikawa Kansai, Formally owned by Mr. Ichikawa Beian, Taken in Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Ichikawa Santei)
Album of Birds: Mountain Birds, Vol.1, Compiled by Hotta Masaatsu, Edo period, 18th-19th century
Map of the Aizudo Highway from Imaichijuku to Otawaradori, Owatari, Ryugan, Hunyu, and Tamanyu, Compiled by the Office of TransportationFormally owned by Asakusa Bunko Library, Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)
Kobe Foreign Settlement, Meiji era, 19th century
Hakodate City, Meiji era, 19th century

Trap, Primorsky Krai, 19th century, Gift of the Geological Society of Amur River, Russia

Ainu and Ryukyu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 26, 2019 (Tue) - June 2, 2019 (Sun)

The islands of Japan stretch from north to south, encompassing diverse natural environments. These environments have been home to numerous cultures over thousands of years. This gallery presents objects from two cultures that were independent from, but interacted with, the rest of Japan: the Ainu people of the north and the Ryukyu Kingdom of the south.
The Ainu are indigenous people who lived mainly on the island of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island. They worshipped and lived close to nature. The current exhibition presents tools the Ainu used for hunting, fishing, and weaving, as well as clothing and other items from daily life.
The Ryukyu Kingdom on the subtropical islands to the south had a culture strongly influenced by trade. This kingdom traded mainly with Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Decorative arts from the Ryukyu Kindgom, such as lacquerware and clothing dyed with vibrant patterns, are currently on display.

Current exhibit includes:
Ainu:
Model of a House, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century, Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition
Backstrap Loom, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century, Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition
Trap, Primorsky Krai, 19th century, Gift of the Geological Society of Amur River, Russia
Pot, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century, Gift of the Hokkaido Project Management Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce

Ryukyu:
Covered Food Box, Design of figures under trees in mother-of-pearl and gold inlay, Okinawa Main Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 18th century
Octagonal jar, Design of a pavilion and figures in mother-of-pearl inlay, From, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 17th century

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.

Maiko (Apprentice geisha) of Kyoto (detail), By Hayami Gyoshu, Dated 1920

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

March 5, 2019 (Tue) - May 26, 2019 (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:
Kannon (Avalokitesvara), Riding a Dragon, By Kawanabe Kyosai, Meiji era, 19th century
Maiko (Apprentice geisha) of Kyoto, By Hayami Gyoshu, Dated 1920
A Nude and Lions, By Yoshida Hiroshi, Dated 1909 (Gift of Mrs. Yoshida Fujio)

Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests, Asuka Period, 7th century

Oshidashi Butsu－Reproducing the Repousse Buddhist Image-Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

August 7, 2018 (Tue) - September 16, 2019 (Mon)

Repousse Buddhist Images were produced by placing a thin bronze sheet over a relief, and hammering it into shape. These were popular between the late 7th and 8th centuries, and were displayed on temple walls, or placed in small shrines for private worship.
These full-scale models show the production process divided into 6stages. We hope that they enable visitors to learn about how this type of work was created and the materials used.

Details

1st floor

Special Exhibitions

The 30th Anniversary of the Enthronement
Cultural Exchanges of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress: Sharing the Beauty of Japan

1st floor
Room T4 & T5

March 5, 2019 (Tue) -
April 29, 2019 (Mon)

Heavenly Maiden of Silk Cultivation, By Takamura Koun, 1924, Sannomaru Shozokan (the Museum of the Imperial Collections), Imperial Household Agency [On exhibit through March 31, 2019]

Special Exhibitions

The 30th Anniversary of the Enthronement
Cultural Exchanges of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress: Sharing the Beauty of Japan

1st floor
Room T4 & T5

March 5, 2019 (Tue) - April 29, 2019 (Mon)

This exhibition features artworks connected to the Imperial Family from the collections of the Imperial Household Agency. These artworks include the folding screens, Poetry and Genre Scenes from Yuki and Suki Provinces for Daijosai (Grand Thanksgiving Festival after the Enthronement), which were created by Higashiyama Kaii and Takayama Tatsuo in 1990 for a ceremony held upon the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito. The exhibition also displays Japanese works introduced by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan on their visits to foreign countries. The Japanese culture conveyed by Their Majesties deepened the world's understanding of Japan and further promoted international exchanges with our country. In a year that marks the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito, this exhibition introduces the cultural exchange undertaken by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

Details

Exhibitions

April 18, 2019 (Thu), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"