October 18, 2008 (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

October 7, 2008 (Tue) -
March 1, 2009 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery Gunsho Chiyo (a book of politics)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

September 17, 2008 (Wed) -
October 26, 2008 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

July 29, 2008 (Tue) -
November 16, 2008 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

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

September 9, 2008 (Tue) -
December 7, 2008 (Sun)
Folding Screen and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

October 7, 2008 (Tue) -
November 16, 2008 (Sun)
Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

July 23, 2008 (Wed) -
October 19, 2008 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 7, 2008 (Tue) -
November 16, 2008 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Noh Costume of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

September 23, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 23, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 23, 2008 (Tue) -
October 19, 2008 (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

October 7, 2008 (Tue) - March 1, 2009 (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:
Jomon Vessel with Flame-like Ornamentation, Jomon period, 3000 - 2000BC
Jar, Yayoi period, 1st - 3rd century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (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 Bosatsu (Bodhisattva), Asuka period, 7th century
Yugashichiron (Buddist scripture), vol 48, Nara period, dated 767
Stemmed Bowl, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

National Treasure Gallery Gunsho Chiyo (a book of politics)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

September 17, 2008 (Wed) - October 26, 2008 (Sun)

This room is specially designed for the comfortable viewing of masterpieces in a tranquil setting. With each rotation, one exceptional, designated work of painting or calligraphy in the Museum's collection or on loan will be presented.
On Exhibit:
Gunsho Chiyo (a book of politics), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (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 Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), By Eisen, Kamakura period, dated 1259 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Yasuda Zenjiro)
Sixteen Arhats, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Zenrinji, Kyoto)
Plaque with Hair-line Engraving of Zao Gongen, A deity of mountain asceticism, Heian period, dated 1001 (National Treasure)
Konkomyo Kyo (Buddhist Scripture), Known as "Menashi Gyo", Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Konkomyosaishoo-kyo Sutra, Known as "Iimurogire", Attributed to Emperor Saga, Heian period, 9th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (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:
Konkomyo-kyo (Suvarnaprabhasottamaraja Sutra) , Known as "Menashi-gyo (Eye-less sutra)", Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (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:
Night rain over plantain, Inscriptions by diplomats from Korea et al. (Important Cultural Property)
Landscape of the Four Seasons, Attributed to Shubun, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

July 29, 2008 (Tue) - November 16, 2008 (Sun)

Selections of tea ceremony objects from the donations of the late collector Hirota Matsushige (Fukkosai), known for his collection of fine ceramics.
Current exhibit includes:
Tea Bowl, Horimishima type, Known as Kimura, Joseon dynasty, 16th - 17th century, Korea (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Bucket-shaped Square Water Jar with Yoke Handle, Ornaments in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen ware, Ming Dynasty, 17th century ,China (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Bucket-shaped Tea Caddy, Lotus and herons in overglaze enamels, Ming - Qing dynasty, 17th century, China (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Vase with Elephant Trunk Handles, Longquan ware, Yuan - Ming dynasty, 14th - 15th century, China (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 9, 2008 (Tue) - December 7, 2008 (Sun)

Beginning with the sword 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:
Tachi Sword, Known as Uesug-Tachi, Ichimonji school, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)
Hyogo-gusari-no-tachi Style Sword Mounting, With scabbard decorated with birds, Known as "Uesugi-Tachi", Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)
Sword mounting of kowakizashi type, With black lacquered scabbard, Edo period, 17th 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 7, 2008 (Tue) - November 16, 2008 (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:
Plum Trees, By Maruyama Okyo, Edo period, dated 1784

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

July 23, 2008 (Wed) - October 19, 2008 (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:
Towel rack, Design of autumn grasses and paulownia crests in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 17th century
Uchikake Outer Garment, Plum trees, chrysanthemums and characters of "Kantan Makura" on white figured satin, Edo period, 18th century
SquareMirror, Chrysanthemum anda panlownid design, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
Large Lobed Dish, Kokutani type with phoenix in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object)
Bowl, Nezumi-Shino type, Mino ware / Wagtail design, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th - 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 7, 2008 (Tue) - November 16, 2008 (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:
Autumn grasses, By Tawaraya Sosetsu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Portrait of Mushanokoji Sanekage with Inscription, By Emperor Sakuramachi, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)

Nuihaku Garment (Noh Costume), Flowering plants, tanzaku paper and plank bridges on red and white checkered ground, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Noh Costume of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

September 23, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (Sun)

>> detailed information
This exhibition is centered around three main collections: those costumes preserved by the Konparuza troupe in Nara, a city located in the area where Noh first emerged; those formerly owned by the Mori family, recorded as having been used by the head of the family when he performed in front of Hideyoshi; and the collection of Azuchi-Momoyama period Noh costumes owned and preserved by the Kasuga Jinja shrine in Seki-shi, Gifu.
Exhibit includes:
Nuihaku Garment (Noh Costume), Flowering plants, tanzaku paper and plank bridges on red and white checkered ground, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Surihaku Garment (Noh Costume), Design of shikishi paper and grapes on purple ground, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Details

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 23, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (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), Chrysanthemums, mesh and characters on white figured silk satin ground, Edo period, 18th century Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Design of the "Eight Sights of Omi" on light blue plain-weave silk, Edo period, 18th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 23, 2008 (Tue) - October 19, 2008 (Sun)

This gallery shows individualistic and manifold works of the ukiyo-e artists, ranging from depictions of pleasure quarters, kabuki plays, traditional bird and flower motifs and narrative pictures, to landscapes. Paintings and prints of beauties, landscapes, actors, and flowers and birds are on exhibit together with an example of genre painting, one of the origins of ukiyo-e. Works related to Mutamagawa, a well known theme of waka poems, is also on view.
Exhibit includes:
Mitate (allusion) of Matsukaze and Murasame, By Torii Kiyomitsu, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)
Lovers on a veranda, By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

Masks

2nd floor
Room T1

September 17, 2008 (Wed) -
October 26, 2008 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Christian Objects from the Age of Exploration and Discovery

2nd floor
Room T2

October 7, 2008 (Tue) -
November 16, 2008 (Sun)

Gyodo Mask "Tamonten", Kamakura period, 13th - 14th century

Thematic Exhibition

Masks

2nd floor
Room T1

September 17, 2008 (Wed) - October 26, 2008 (Sun)

>> detailed information
Exhibits masks of the performing arts from the Nara though the Kamakura period together with panels introducing how they were used.
Current exhibit includes:
Bugaku Mask "Korobase",Heian period, dated 1042 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Tamukeyama Hachimangu, Nara)
Gyodo Mask "Bosatsu", By Kaikei, Kamakura period, dated 1201 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jyodoji, Hyogo)

Details

The Virgin (The Virgin of the Thumb), Italy, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Christian Objects from the Age of Exploration and Discovery

2nd floor
Room T2

October 7, 2008 (Tue) - November 16, 2008 (Sun)

>> detailed information
In this thematic exhibition, Christian objects brought to Japan by Portuguese ships or those produced in Japan during the period of exploration and discovery are displayed to reflect on the dynamic communication between East and West.
Current exhibit includes:
Stern Carving of Erasmus, Dated 1598 (Important Cultural Property, Collection of Ryuko-in, Tochigi)
European Knight, Artist unknown, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
Relatione del Viaggio et Arrivo in Europa et Roma de' Prencipi Giapponesi (Concerning the Voyage of Four Young Japanese Men to Rome), Published by Reggio, Dated 1585, Italy (Important Cultural Property)
Christ, Late 16th - early 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Formerly kept in Shumon-gura of Nagasaki Magistrate Office)

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

September 24, 2008 (Wed) -
January 4, 2009 (Sun)
Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

September 24, 2008 (Wed) -
January 4, 2009 (Sun)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
December 21, 2008 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
December 21, 2008 (Sun)
Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
December 21, 2008 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Arts Buddhist Objects Excavated at Nachisan

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

July 29, 2008 (Tue) -
November 16, 2008 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

The Prayers of the Northern Peoples

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
January 4, 2009 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Series Historical Collection: Speaking to the Future - Medical Science - Materials in the Museum Collection

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

September 17, 2008 (Wed) -
October 26, 2008 (Sun)
Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

March 25, 2008 (Tue) -
March 22, 2009 (Sun)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

September 30, 2008 (Tue) -
November 9, 2008 (Sun)
Modern Decorative Arts

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

September 17, 2008 (Wed) -
December 14, 2008 (Sun)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

September 24, 2008 (Wed) - January 4, 2009 (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 Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri) and Attendants, Seated Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), By Koen, Formerly owned by Kofukuji, Nara, Kamakura period, dated 1273 (Important Cultural Property)
Standing Komoku Ten (Virupakusa), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)

Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

September 24, 2008 (Wed) - January 4, 2009 (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:
Reliquary of Kaenhoju (Cintamani in Flame) Type, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Amida Nyorai (Amitabha) Triad, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Plaque with Cast Image of Zao Gongen, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Keman (Pendent Ornament), Heian period, 12th century (Gift of Mr. Sanjyonishi Jozen)

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - December 21, 2008 (Sun)

Focuses on kyo-yaki, Imari ware and other ceramics from the Edo period, together with ceramic ware related to the tea ceremony. Featuring motifs of the season, the works on view are organized by their origins to highlight their styles.
Current exhibit includes:
Tiered Food Box with Handle, Dragon and waves design in underglaze blue, By Aoki Mokubei, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)
Sake Bottles, Kakiemon type, Imari ware, Autumn grass design in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century
Square Bowl, Oribe type, Mino ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Flower Vase with Handles, Iga ware, Edo period, 17th century

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - December 21, 2008 (Sun)

Features maki-e works from the Heian to the Edo period. The exhibit will show the history and beauty of maki-e, a unique lacquerwork method that developed in Japan.
Current exhibit includes:
Sutra Box, Dragon-entwined sword in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Taima-dera Oku-no-in, Nara)
Sutra Box, Moon and peony design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura period, 13th - 14th century (National Treasure)
Legged Chest, Design of Suminoe Beach in maki-e lacquer, Nanbokucho period, dated 1357 (Important Cultural Property)

Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - December 21, 2008 (Sun)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to the Edo period, including the National Tresure Koryu Kagemitsu.
Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, Known as "Koryu Kagemitsu", By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)
Katana Sword, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure)

Mandala of Garbhadhatu (detail), Excavated at Nachisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Heian period, 12th century(Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)

Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Arts Buddhist Objects Excavated at Nachisan

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

July 29, 2008 (Tue) - November 16, 2008 (Sun)

>> detailed information
Nachisan (Mt. Nachi), one of the Three Sacred Mountains of Kumano, with its Nachi Waterfall (Ichinotaki), has been a major place of worship since the ancient times. Excavated objects that represent Buddhist belief combined with mountain worship will be on view from the museum collection.
Exhibit includes:
Qian Hong-Chu's 84000 stupas, Excavated at Nachisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, The Five dynasties period, 10th century, China (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)
Standing Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisayaguru), Excavated at Nachisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Asuka - Nara period, 7th - 8th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)
Daidan Platform and Ritual Implements (For Service of Garbhadhatu Mandala), Excavated at Nachisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Heian period, 12th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)
Mandala of Garbhadhatu, Excavated at Nachisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Heian period, 12th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)

Details

Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr.Tokugawa Yorisada)

Thematic Exhibition

The Prayers of the Northern Peoples

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - January 4, 2009 (Sun)

>> detailed information
This exhibition features various items used by the Ainu and Uilta people, including ritual implements, such as inau, ikupasui and wooden bowls, together with the clothes and tools used in everyday life, giving us an insight into the ways the Northern people prayed to their Gods.
Current exhibit includes:
Inau (Ritual staff), Wood, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions)
Coat, Attus (bast fiber), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr.Tokugawa Yorisada on exhibit through November 9, 2008)
Necklace, Wood and Glass, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crests, Iron, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr.Oda Shokichi and Izumi Rintaro)
Mukkuri Harp, Bamboo, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions)

Details

Ishinpo (Ancient Medical Book), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)

Thematic Exhibition

Series Historical Collection: Speaking to the Future - Medical Science - Materials in the Museum Collection

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

September 17, 2008 (Wed) - October 26, 2008 (Sun)

>> detailed information
Traces the history of medical science in Japan through historical materials in the museum collection.
Current exhibit includes:
Ishinpo (Ancient Medical Book), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Anatomical Model of a Human Body, Edo Period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Yorihide)

Details

Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

March 25, 2008 (Tue) - March 22, 2009 (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

September 30, 2008 (Tue) - November 9, 2008 (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)
Maiko Girl, By Tsuchida Bakusen, dated 1930
Prince Yamato Takeruno, By Aoki Shigeru, dated 1906

Modern Decorative Arts

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

September 17, 2008 (Wed) - December 14, 2008 (Sun)

Features decorative arts from the Meiji period such as those exhibited at the World's Fair in 1893.
Current exhibit includes:
Dish, Cypress fan design in overglaze enamel, By Gottfried Wagner (Azuma ware), Meiji period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Ueta Toyokichi)
Writing box, Design of Nunobiki Waterfall in maki-e lacquer., By Ogawa Shomin, Meiji period, 19th century
Genjoraku Dance, Metal work, By Unno Shomin, dated 1893
Figure of Phenix, White porcelain, By Numata Ichiga, dated 1921 (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

October 18, 2008 (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)

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

National Treasure Gallery Gunsho Chiyo (a book of politics)

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

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