November 11, 2006 (Sat), 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
Prehistory and Protohistory: the Jômon, Yayoi, and Kofun Periods (10000B.C. - A.D. 600)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 5, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

October 11, 2006 (Wed) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery Maple Viewers

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

October 24, 2006 (Tue) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 11, 2006 (Wed) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 11, 2006 (Wed) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 11, 2006 (Wed) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)
Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

September 26, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

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

September 5, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Folding Screen- and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

October 31, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 11, 2006 (Wed) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 31, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Thematic Exhibition

Masks and Costumes from the Noh Play "Funabenkei"

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

October 31, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

October 31, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

November 7, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Thematic Exhibition

Sharaku

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

November 7, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)

The Dawn of Japanese Art
Prehistory and Protohistory: the Jômon, Yayoi, and Kofun Periods (10000B.C. - A.D. 600)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 5, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

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, Furthermore, the typical objects of 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, expressing the essence of metal and glass craftsmanship are also featured.
Current exhibit includes:
Deep Bowl, From Horinouchi Shellmound, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, Jomon period, 2000-1000BC
Jar, From Kugahara, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Yayoi period, 1st - 3rd century (Important Cultural Property)
Footed Jar with Ornaments and Diminutives, Sue Stoneware, From Ogasayama, Setouchi-shi, Okayama, Kofun period, 6th century
Jar, Dragon in doucai enamels, Jingdezhen ware, Ming dynasty, 15th century, China (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

October 11, 2006 (Wed) - November 19, 2006 (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 Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha), Formerly owned by Kozanji, Kyoto, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Segment from the Konkomyo Saisho'o Kyo (Sovereign Kings of the Golden light Sutra), Attributed to Emperor Shomu, Nara period, 8th century

National Treasure Gallery Maple Viewers

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

October 24, 2006 (Tue) - November 19, 2006 (Sun)

This room is specially designed for the comfortable viewing of masterpieces in a tranquil setting. With each rotation, one exceptional work of painting or calligraphy designated as National Treasure will be presented. The selections come from the Museum's collection or works that are on loan to the Museum.
On Exhibit:
Maple Viewers, By Kano Hideyori, Momoyama period, 16th century (National Treasure)

Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 11, 2006 (Wed) - November 19, 2006 (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:
Sanpo Ekotoba, Illustrated Tales of the Three Buddhist Jewels, Kamakura period, dated 1273 (National Treasure)

Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 11, 2006 (Wed) - November 19, 2006 (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:
Portrait said to be of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Record of the Poetry Contest at the Empress' Palace in Kampyo, Attributed to Prince Munetaka, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)

Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 11, 2006 (Wed) - November 19, 2006 (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:
Landscape with Figures, Attributed to Kano Motonobu, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Reiun-in, Kyoto)
Poem to Accompany the Painting of Du Fu Riding Donkey, By Ikkyu Sojun, Muromachi period, 15th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

September 26, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

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.
Currently on exhibit:
Tea Bowl, Oido type, Known as "Uraku-ido", Joseon dynasty, 15th - 16th century, Korea (Important Art Object, Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Fresh Water Jar for the Tea Ceremony, Known as "Shiba no Iori", Shigaraki Ware, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

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

September 5, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Beginning with the sword as the single most important equipment for 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:
Tanto Sword, By Kanemitsu, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Okamiyama-jinja, Tottori)
Sujikabuto Style Helmet with Black Leather Triangle Lacing, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Folding Screen- and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

October 31, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

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:
Kabuki theater, By Hishikawa Moronobu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 11, 2006 (Wed) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

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:
Stationery Set for Writer's Desk, Satsuma ware with overglaze enamel decoration, Edo period, 19th century
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Ujibashi Bridge on blue crepe, Edo period, 19th century
Mirror Stand, Scene from the Tale of Genji in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 31, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

This gallery introduces the dynamic and multi-faceted world of paintings and calligraphy from the Azuchi-Momoyama to the Edo period.
Current exhibit includes:
Portrait of Sato Issai and his Wife, By Tsubaki Chinzan, Edo period, dated 1841 (Gift of Mr. Kawada Yasushi)
Scenes in and around Kyoto, By Sumiyoshi Gukei, Edo period, 17th century
Procedural Handbook for the Shimotsukie Ceremony, By Tenkai, Edo period, 17th century

Karaori Garment(Noh Costume), Matsukawabishi lozenges and hananoshi bouquets on light blue ground, Edo period, 18th century

Thematic Exhibition

Masks and Costumes from the Noh Play "Funabenkei"

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

October 31, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Features masks and costumes from the play"Funabenkei", one of the legendary stories of the tragic young heroes Yoshitsune and Tomomori.

Details

Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

October 31, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Introduces women's fashion of the Edo period townspeople.
Current exhibit includes:
Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Squares encircling flowers on black figured silk satin ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Noguchi Shinzo)
Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Flowering plants, crane and tortoise, geometrical patterns on black and red figured silk satin ground, Edo period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

November 7, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

This exhibit will feature the early winter season together with works related to Kabuki plays.
Exhibit includes:
Mitate (parody) of the Noh Play "Hachinoki" (Potted Trees), By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century

The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo in the Role of Takemura Sadanoshin, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Sharaku

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

November 7, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Features the ukiyo-e artist Sharaku, by 20 of his works considered the most unique.

Details

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

Cats Depicted in Japanese Art

2nd floor
Room T1

November 7, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)
Thematic Exhibition

Conservation and Restoration of the Tokyo National Museum Collection

2nd floor
Room T2

October 24, 2006 (Tue) -
December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Cat in Various Postures, By Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Edo period, 19th century

Thematic Exhibition

Cats Depicted in Japanese Art

2nd floor
Room T1

November 7, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Introduces cats represented in various Japanese artworks.

Details

Box, Grapes and squirrel design in mother-of-pearl inlay, Ming dynasty, 16th century

Thematic Exhibition

Conservation and Restoration of the Tokyo National Museum Collection

2nd floor
Room T2

October 24, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

Introduces the museum's conservation and restoration activities through objects that went through repair in 2005-06.

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

September 20, 2006 (Wed) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

September 20, 2006 (Wed) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Ceramics - Ceramics of the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods -

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 20, 2006 (Wed) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Autumnal Designs in Maki-e

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 20, 2006 (Wed) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 20, 2006 (Wed) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Technical Records of Traditional Art Crafts

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

October 31, 2006 (Tue) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Religion of Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 5, 2006 (Tue) -
November 26, 2006 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Series Japanese Natural History : Highways and Traveling in the Edo Period

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

October 17, 2006 (Tue) -
December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

October 11, 2006 (Wed) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)
Donations Gallery

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 20

August 22, 2006 (Tue) -
November 19, 2006 (Sun)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

September 20, 2006 (Wed) - December 17, 2006 (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 exhibition includes:
Standing Komoku Ten(Virupakusa), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Joruri-ji, Kyoto)
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara), By Tankei, Kamakura period, dated 1251 - 56 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myohou-in (In the Hondo (Main hall) of Rengeoin), Kyoto)

Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

September 20, 2006 (Wed) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)

This gallery introduces many different types of gilt bronze Buddhist statues and figures from the Asuka and Nara periods, such as kyozo (mirror icons) and kakebotoke (hanging icons), as well as Buddhist implements such as candlesticks and incense burners, and implements for esoteric Buddhist rituals.
Current exhibit includes:
Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kotoku-ji, Tochigi)
Keman (pendant ornament for Buddhist temple) with Sanskrit Characters, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Nara National Museum)

Ceramics - Ceramics of the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods -

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 20, 2006 (Wed) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)

Ceramics from the Muromachi through the Edo period are on view, featuring the characteristic tea ceremony wares of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Current exhibit includes:
Hexagonal Water Jar, Kirin(fantastic animal) and chrysanthemums flower in overglaze enamels, By Okuda Eisen, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Tea Bowl, Studio of Ninsei, "Autumn Excursion" motif from Tale of Genji in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mrs. Yamamoto Tomiko and Mr. Yamamoto Kenji)

Writing box, Motif of "Kinuta" from the Senzai-wakashu poetry anthology in maki-e, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Autumnal Designs in Maki-e

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 20, 2006 (Wed) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)

Features the well-favored "Seven Flowers of Autumn", chrysanthemums, and other motifs represented in maki-e lacquerware.
Including:
Saddle, Hagi (bush clover) in mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Writing Box, Motif of "Kinuta" from the Senzai-wakashu poetry anthology in maki-e, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Writing Box, Design of gosho-guruma(nobleman's cart) in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Details

Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 20, 2006 (Wed) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)

This gallery, dedicated to the history of the Japanese sword, features manifold types of sword blades from the Heian to the Edo periods, as well as scabbards and individual sword fittings that were appreciated throughout history.
Current exhibition includes:
Tachi Sword, By Tomonari, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, Gift of Mr. Yamamoto Tatsuro)
Katana Sword, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure)
Tachi Sword, By Kaneuji, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Set of Sword Furniture for Dai-Sho(Pair of long and short sowrds) : Menuki Kogai, Kozuka and Sword Guard, Cherry and maple trees, By Goto Ichijo, Edo period, dated 1864 - 65 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Process Sample: Nabeshima(ceramics with polychrome overglaze enamels), By Imaizumi Imaemon XXII, dated 1955

Thematic Exhibition

Technical Records of Traditional Art Crafts

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

October 31, 2006 (Tue) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)

Featuring records of manufacturing techniques from the second half of the 1950s to the 1960s, this display includes samples, artists' tools, and documents, together with finished works.

Details

Ritual Hoe-shaped Crests, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Messrs.Oda Shokichi and Izumi Rintaro)

Thematic Exhibition

Religion of Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 5, 2006 (Tue) - November 26, 2006 (Sun)

This display introduces the Ainu people's prayers featuring various ritual implements, together with their clothes and daily tools.

Details

Dolls of A Feudal Lord's Procession (Detail), Meiji period, 19th century

Thematic Exhibition

Series Japanese Natural History : Highways and Traveling in the Edo Period

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

October 17, 2006 (Tue) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)

Focuses on travelling in the Edo period, through tools and books from the time.

Details

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

October 11, 2006 (Wed) - November 19, 2006 (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:
Aged Monkey, By Takamura Koun, dated 1893 (Important Cultural Property)
White Fox, By Shimomura Kanzan, dated 1914
Prince Yamato Takeru, By Aoki Shigeru, dated 1906

Donations Gallery

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 20

August 22, 2006 (Tue) - November 19, 2006 (Sun)

Since our founding in 1872, more than 3,000 donors have greatly contributed to the forming of the collection in quality as well as in quantity. All of the donors are listed in this room, represented by selections in grateful remembrance of the donors.
On exhibit:
Large Flower Vase, Landscape Design, By Suzuki Chokichi, dated 1912 (Gift of the artist)
Seated Prince Shotoku, By Takamura Koun, dated 1912 (Gift of the artist)
Head of Old Man, By Takamura Kotaro, dated 1923 (Gift of Mrs. Eto Mikiko)

Exhibitions

November 11, 2006 (Sat), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

The Dawn of Japanese Art
Prehistory and Protohistory: the Jômon, Yayoi, and Kofun Periods (10000B.C. - A.D. 600)