November 17, 2007 (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 Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun Periods (10000B.C. - A.D. 600)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 11, 2007 (Tue) -
April 6, 2008 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

October 30, 2007 (Tue) -
December 9, 2007 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery Maple Viewers

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

November 6, 2007 (Tue) -
December 2, 2007 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 30, 2007 (Tue) -
December 9, 2007 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 30, 2007 (Tue) -
December 9, 2007 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 30, 2007 (Tue) -
December 9, 2007 (Sun)
Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

August 28, 2007 (Tue) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

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

September 11, 2007 (Tue) -
December 9, 2007 (Sun)
Folding Screen and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

October 10, 2007 (Wed) -
November 18, 2007 (Sun)
Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 16, 2007 (Tue) -
January 14, 2008 (Mon)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 10, 2007 (Wed) -
November 18, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Kabuki costumes

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

October 23, 2007 (Tue) -
December 24, 2007 (Mon)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

October 23, 2007 (Tue) -
December 24, 2007 (Mon)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

October 23, 2007 (Tue) -
November 18, 2007 (Sun)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 11, 2007 (Tue) - April 6, 2008 (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:
Jar, From Kugahara, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Yayoi period, 1st - 3rd century (Important Cultural Property)
Haniwa Man in Formal Attire, Terra-cotta Tomb Ornament, From Yotsuzuka Tumulus, Ota-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

October 30, 2007 (Tue) - December 9, 2007 (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:
Yugashiji-ron (Buddist scriputure), vol 48, Nara period, dated 767 (Lent by Enpukuji, Chiba)
Nest of Eight Bowls, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

National Treasure Gallery Maple Viewers

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

November 6, 2007 (Tue) - December 2, 2007 (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 30, 2007 (Tue) - December 9, 2007 (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:
Illustrated Konkomyosasisyoo-kyo Sutra, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Daichoju-in Temple, Iwate)
Plaque with Hair-line Engraving of Zao Gongen, A deity of mountain asceticism, Provenance: Mt. Kinpusen, Yoshino area, Nara, Heian period, dated 1001(National Treasure, Lent by Sojiji, Tokyo)
Konkomyosaishoo-kyo Sutra (Known as Iimurogire), Known as Iimurogire, Attributed to Emperor Saga, Heian period, 9th century
Flower Baskets, with Hosoge flowers in Openwork, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)
Kei (Flat Gong), Lotus flower design, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Zenrinji, Kyoto)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 30, 2007 (Tue) - December 9, 2007 (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:
Scroll of Waka Poems, By Emperor Fushimi (1265-1317), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Reika Shu Poetry Anthology, Yawatagire segment, Attributed to Ono no Tofu, Heian period, 11th century (Gift of Mr. Morita Chikka)
Flowering Plants, Kamakura period, 14th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

October 30, 2007 (Tue) - December 9, 2007 (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:
Monk Bukkoku Kokushi (Koho Kennichi), Inscription by the Monk, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Unganji, Tochigi)
Three Large Characters "Kyu-Go-An"(Hermitage of Former Ages), By Sekishitsu Zenkyu, Nanbokucho period, 14th century

Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

August 28, 2007 (Tue) - December 16, 2007 (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:
Flower Vase with Side Opening, Bamboo, Known as "Onjoji", By Sen no Rikyu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1590(Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Naoakira)
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)
Letter, Known as "Musashi Abumi no Fumi", By Sen no Rikyu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1590(Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Naoakira)

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

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

September 11, 2007 (Tue) - December 9, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Yoroi Style Armor, With white lacing, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Hase-dera, Nara)
Haramaki Style Armor, With variegated lacing, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by The Agency for Cultural Affairs)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

October 10, 2007 (Wed) - November 18, 2007 (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:
Landscape, By Kano Koi, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Farming and Weaving, By Kusumi Morikage, Edo period, 17th century

Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 16, 2007 (Tue) - January 14, 2008 (Mon)

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:
Pair of Boxes with Shell Matching Game Pieces, Scene from the Tale of Genji, Edo period, 17th century
Bowls, Imari ware, Rough-waves and fish design in underglaze blue and overglaze enamel decoration, Edo period, 17th - 18th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 10, 2007 (Wed) - November 18, 2007 (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:
Six-Character Nenbutsu Prayer Chanted Daily, By Tokugawa Ieyasu, Edo period, dated 1612 (Important Art Object, Gift of Mrs. Miyata Kuniko)
Poem, By Karasumaru Mitsuhiro, Edo period, 17th century
Grapes, By Tachihara Kyosho, Edo period, dated 1835(Important Cultural Property)

Haori Coat (Kabuki Costume), Arrow and target on green satin, Formerly in the collection of Bando Mitsue, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Takagi Kyo)

Thematic Exhibition

Kabuki costumes

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

October 23, 2007 (Tue) - December 24, 2007 (Mon)

Features Kabuki costumes used in the Edo period by Bando Mitsue, a female Kabuki actor who performed at the women's quarter of the Edo Catsle.
Exhibit includes:
Kitsuke Robe (Kabuki Costume), Green satin with mitsu-myoga (trefoil mioga ginger) crests, Formerly in the collection of Bando Mitsue, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Takagi Kyo)
Haori Coat (Kabuki Costume), Arrow and target on green satin, Formerly in the collection of Bando Mitsue, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Takagi Kyo)

Details

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

October 23, 2007 (Tue) - December 24, 2007 (Mon)

Introduces women's fashion of the Edo period townspeople. Enjoy comparing with the women depicted in ukiyo-e works exhibited in the same room.
Current exhibit includes:
Kosode Type Garment with Small Wrist Openings, Young pines, small floral and deer - maple leaf pattern on black, red and blue figured-satin, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Kosode Type Garment with Small Wrist Openings, Weeping maples and straw hats on white figured-satin, Edo period, 18th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

October 23, 2007 (Tue) - November 18, 2007 (Sun)

Ukiyo-e, originally secular paintings of the early Edo period, developed later into woodblock prints to be mass produced. The mastery of carving and printing led to the flourishing of the multicolor nishiki-e prints, of which subjects were selected from scenes familiar to commoners such as the pleasure quarters and the kabuki theatre. Beauties and actors were particularly popular, but birds and flowers, scenes from literature, and landscapes also became to be favored nishiki-e themes.
This exhibit features Ukiyo-e paintings by Hishikawa Moronobu, Kitagawa Utamaro and other masters, together with prints depicfing landscapes, beauties, and actors.
Exhibit includes:
Actor Hayakawa Hatsuse as a Woman Reading a Letter, By Okumura Toshinobu, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)
Beauties of the East: Oshima and Onaka from Nakacho, By Kitao Shigemasa, Edo period, 18th century
Hamamuraya Roko, alias Segawa Kikunojo III as Maid Ohama, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Kansei 6) (Important Art Object)
Standing Beauty, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Fifty-three Stages of Tokaido Highway: Kanbara, By Utagawa Hiroshige, Edo period, 19th century (Private collection)

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

The Three Master Calligraphers of the Kan'ei Era

2nd floor
Room T2

October 10, 2007 (Wed) -
November 18, 2007 (Sun)

Poetry by Bai Letian, By Shokado Shojo, Edo period, 17th century

Thematic Exhibition

The Three Master Calligraphers of the Kan'ei Era

2nd floor
Room T2

October 10, 2007 (Wed) - November 18, 2007 (Sun)

Introduces outstanding works by the masters who marked the beginning of the art of pre-modern calligraphy.
Exhibit includes:
Poems By Konoe Nobutada, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 17th century
Poetry by Bai Letian, By Shokado Shojo, Edo period, 17th century
Scroll of Waka Poetry, By Hon'ami Koetsu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 17th century

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

September 19, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

September 19, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Ceramics - Ceramics of the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods -

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Ceramics:Free-spirited World of Underglaze Iron Painting

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

September 26, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Religion of Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 19, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Series Historical Collection: Speaking to the Future - Travels in Japan: Hokkaido (Ezo)

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

November 13, 2007 (Tue) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

October 10, 2007 (Wed) -
December 2, 2007 (Sun)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

October 16, 2007 (Tue) -
November 25, 2007 (Sun)
Modern Decorative Arts

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

October 10, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)
Donations Gallery

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 20

September 26, 2007 (Wed) -
December 16, 2007 (Sun)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

September 19, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (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:
Standing Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Ekadasamukha　Avalokitesvara), Tang dynasty, 7th century (Important Cultural Property)
Standing Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri)x, Kamakura period, dated 1269 (Bunei 6) (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Chugu-ji, Nara)
Standing Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara), Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kojima-dera, Nara)
Seated Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri) and Attendants, Formerly owned by Kofuku-ji, Nara (Important Cultural Property)

Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

September 19, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (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:
Standing Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara), Excavated at Nashisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Asuka period, 7th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)
Kei (Flat Gong) in the Shape of a Butterfly, Excavated at Miyabuchi-machi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property)
Finial of Priest's Staff, Heian period, dated 1142(Important Cultural Property, Lent by Tesshuji, Shizuoka)

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

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (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:
Tea Leaf Jar, Studio of Ninsei/Moon and plum tree in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
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 Kenj)
Tiered Food Box with Handle, Dragon and waves design in underglaze blue, By Aoki Mokubei, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kasagi Tatsu)
Water Jar with Notched Lip, Shino type, Mino ware, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century (Private collection)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (Sun)

Introduces maki-e works from the Heian through the Edo period. The exhibit overviews the history and charm of maki-e, together with the beauty of Japanese lacquerwork.
Current exhibit includes:
Writing Box, Scene illustrating a poem about Otoko-yama design in maki-e laquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tebako (Cosmetic Box), Weels half-submerged in stream in maki-e lacquer and mother of pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)

Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (Sun)

This gallery, dedicated to the history of the Japanese sword, features manifold types of sword blades from the Aska to the Edo periods, as well as scabbards and individual sword fittings that were appreciated throughout history.
Current exhibition includes:
Chokuto Sword, Known as "Shichisei Ken", Asuka period, 7th century (National Treasure, Lent by Shitennoji, Osaka)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Okanehira", By Kanehira, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Koryu Kagemitsu", By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)

Vase, Buncheong ware with fish in underglaze iron, Attributed provenance: Hakbong-ri, Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea, Joseon dynasty, 15th - 16th century, Korea (Gift of the Ogura foundation)

Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Ceramics:Free-spirited World of Underglaze Iron Painting

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

September 26, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (Sun)

This display features the bold and lively art of underglaze iron painting with works from various times and places of Asia.

Details

Thematic Exhibition

Religion of Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 19, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (Sun)

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

Details

Survey Map of Okushiri Island, By Imai Hachikuro, Edo period, dated 1833 (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Series Historical Collection: Speaking to the Future - Travels in Japan: Hokkaido (Ezo)

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

November 13, 2007 (Tue) - December 16, 2007 (Sun)

Highlights the history of Hokkaido, known as Ezo during the Edo period.
Current exhibit includes:
Map of Hokkaido, Sakhalin and Kuril Islands, Published by Harimaya Katsugoro, Edo period, dated 1854 (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi)
Diary, By Daikokuya Kodayu, Edo period, dated 1791
Survey Map of Okushiri Island, By Imai Hachikuro, Edo period, dated 1833 (Important Cultural Property)

Details

Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

October 10, 2007 (Wed) - December 2, 2007 (Sun)

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.

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

October 16, 2007 (Tue) - November 25, 2007 (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:
Prayer for Safe Delivery, By Yasuda Yukihiko, dated 1914
Portrait of Reiko, By Kishida Ryusei, dated 1921(Important Cultural Property)

Modern Decorative Arts

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

October 10, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (Sun)

The museum played a great role in the development of modern Japanese decorative arts. This gallery features exhibits from the National Industrial Exhibitions of the Meiji period, now in the museum collection.
Current exhibit includes:
Tebako (Cosmetic Box), Design of bush clover and butterfly in maki-e lacquer, By Sawada Sotakusai, dated 1892
Roundel with Plums and Chrysanthemums, Okawachi ware: porcelain with overglaze enamels, By Mitsutake Hikoshichi, Ca. 1877

Donations Gallery

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 20

September 26, 2007 (Wed) - December 16, 2007 (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:
Head of Old Man, By Takamura Kotaro, dated 1923 (Gift of Mrs. Eto Mikiko)
Large Flower Vase, Landscape Design, dated 1912 (Gift of the artist)
Deer of the god, dated 1912 (Gift of the artist)

1st floor

Thematic Exhibition

The Path of Buddha

1st floor
Room T5

July 27, 2007 (Fri) -
November 3, 2009 (Tue)

Buddha, Gandhara, Pakistan, Kushan dynasty, 2nd - 3rd century

Thematic Exhibition

The Path of Buddha

1st floor
Room T5

July 27, 2007 (Fri) - November 3, 2009 (Tue)

>> detailed information
This display traces the development of Buddhist statues from Gandhara (Ancient India), China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan to provide insights about how Buddhist beliefs and statues developed in each region.

Details

Exhibitions

November 17, 2007 (Sat), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

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