October 3, 2009 (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

April 7, 2009 (Tue) -
November 29, 2009 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
October 18, 2009 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery　Jigoku Zoshi (Scroll of Hell)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

August 25, 2009 (Tue) -
October 4, 2009 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
October 18, 2009 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
October 18, 2009 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
October 18, 2009 (Sun)
Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

July 22, 2009 (Wed) -
November 8, 2009 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

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

September 29, 2009 (Tue) -
November 29, 2009 (Sun)
Folding Screen and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

August 25, 2009 (Tue) -
October 4, 2009 (Sun)
Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

August 4, 2009 (Tue) -
November 8, 2009 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

August 25, 2009 (Tue) -
October 4, 2009 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Noh Masks and Costumes: Representations of Women

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

September 15, 2009 (Tue) -
November 8, 2009 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 15, 2009 (Tue) -
November 8, 2009 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
October 4, 2009 (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

April 7, 2009 (Tue) - November 29, 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
Haniwa Man in Formal Attire, Terra-cotta Tomb Ornament, Kofun period, 6th century
Dotaku (bell-shaped bronze), Design of Crossed Bands, Yayoi period, 2nd-1st century BC

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 8, 2009 (Tue) - October 18, 2009 (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
Kanjo Kyo (Buddhist Scripture), Nara period, 8th century
Nest of Eight Bowls, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Finial of Priest's Staff, Excavated at Nachisan, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Nara period, 8th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro)

National Treasure Gallery　Jigoku Zoshi (Scroll of Hell)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

August 25, 2009 (Tue) - October 4, 2009 (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:
Jigoku Zoshi (Scroll of Hell), Heian - Kamakura period, 12th - 13th century (National Treasure)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 8, 2009 (Tue) - October 18, 2009 (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:
Fudo Myoo, Acalanatha, Heian period,12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jimokuji, Aichi)
Monk Mongaku, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jingoji, Kyoto)
Succession of priests and their biographies, Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property)
Keman (Pendent Ornament), Lotus flowers design, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 8, 2009 (Tue) - October 18, 2009 (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:
Transcription of Lotus Sutra in the Form of Folding Fan Shaped Album, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Deed of Transfer, By Fujiwara no Tameie, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Deed of Transfer, By Fujiwara no Tameuji, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 8, 2009 (Tue) - October 18, 2009 (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:
Bodhidarma under Pine Tree, Inscription by Issan Ichinei, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Landscape of Four Seasons; Fall, By Sesshu Toyo, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

July 22, 2009 (Wed) - November 8, 2009 (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:
Tea Bowl, Known as Bakohan, Celadon glaze, Longquan ware, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century, China (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)
Tea Bowl, Komogai type, Known as Tago-no-tsuki, Joseon dynasty, 16th - 17th century, Korea (Gift of Mr.Hirota Matsushige)
Poem on Shikishi Paper, By Fujiwara no Teika, Kamakura period, 13th century (Gift of Ms.Yamamoto Tomiko and Mr.Yamamoto Kenji)(on exhibit through September 13, 2009)

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

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

September 29, 2009 (Tue) - November 29, 2009 (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:
Tanto Sword, By Tsugunao, Nanbokucho period, dated 1358 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)
Aikuchi Style Sword Mounting, With black lacquered scabbard, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)
Tachi Sword, By Hiro, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Yoshisuke)
Uchigatana-Style Sword Mounting, With black lacquered scabbard., Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Yoshisuke)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

August 25, 2009 (Tue) - October 4, 2009 (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:
Ivy-bound Lane, By Fukae Roshu, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

August 4, 2009 (Tue) - November 8, 2009 (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:
Covered Food Box, Squirrels and grapes in maki-e lacquer, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 17th century
Koshimaki Garment for Summer, Treasures on reddish-black plain weave ground with glossed weft, Edo period, 19th century
Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Design of flowers, stream, gabions and herons on black figured satin, Edo period, 19th century
Jar, Kakiemon type, Imari Ware, Flowers design in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century
Covered Dish in the Shape of a Fan, Oribe type, Mino ware, Edo period, 17th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

August 25, 2009 (Tue) - October 4, 2009 (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:
Sketches from the boat, By Tanomura Chikuden, Edo period, dated 1830 (Important Cultural Property, Private Collection)
Poem about the Moon in Musashino, By Karasumaru Mitsuhiro, Edo period, 17th century

Karaori Garment(Noh Costume), Design of bamboo curtains, shikishi, tanzaku paper and bush clover on red and green checkered ground, Edo period, 18th century

Thematic Exhibition

Noh Masks and Costumes: Representations of Women

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

September 15, 2009 (Tue) - November 8, 2009 (Sun)

>> detailed information
Many Noh plays are poetic portrayals of the inner selves of people in the middle Ages at tragic scenes.
This exhibition aims to provide a look into the intricate representations of women in Noh.
Exhibit includes:
Karaori Garment (Noh Costume), Design of bamboo curtains, shikishi, tanzaku paper and bush clover on red and green checkered ground, Edo period, 18th century
Maiginu Garment (Noh Costume), Hydrangea and cloud design on purple ground, Edo period, 18th century

Details

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 15, 2009 (Tue) - November 8, 2009 (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 diagonal stripes and poems on white figured silk satin ground, Edo period, 17th century
Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Design of landscape with stream and pavilions on white figured silk satin ground, Edo period, 18th century
Inro (Medicine Case), Design of sakaki tree and horse in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century(Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

* Room 10 (Ukiyo-e and Costumes) on the 2nd floor will be closed for exhibition preparation on Monday, November 2, 2009

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 8, 2009 (Tue) - October 4, 2009 (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.
Exhibit includes:
The Shijo Riverside Entertainment District, Artist unknown, Edo period, 17th century
Couple Picking Egg-plants, By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century
Stylish Rendering of Five Annual Festivals: Chrysanthemum Festival, By Chobunsai Eishi, Edo period, 18th century

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

Masterpieces of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

September 15, 2009 (Tue) -
November 8, 2009 (Sun)

Sakyamuni Descending from the Mountain, By Liang Kai, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (National Treasure, on exhibit through October 12, 2009)

Thematic Exhibition

Masterpieces of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

September 15, 2009 (Tue) - November 8, 2009 (Sun)

>> detailed information
This exhibition features a selection of masterpieces from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
First Half : Tuesday, September 15 - Monday, October 12, 2009
Second Half : Wednesday, October 14 - Sunday, November 8, 2009

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

July 22, 2009 (Wed) -
October 12, 2009 (Mon)
Thematic Exhibition

Two Statues of Dainichi Nyorai and Unkei Style Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

July 22, 2009 (Wed) -
October 12, 2009 (Mon)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 15, 2009 (Tue) -
December 13, 2009 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 15, 2009 (Tue) -
December 13, 2009 (Sun)
Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 15, 2009 (Tue) -
December 6, 2009 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Chinese Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

August 25, 2009 (Tue) -
October 18, 2009 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

The Prayers of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 29, 2009 (Tue) -
January 3, 2010 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Speaking to the Future Series: The World and Japan

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

August 18, 2009 (Tue) -
October 12, 2009 (Mon)
Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

March 24, 2009 (Tue) -
March 22, 2010 (Mon)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
October 18, 2009 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Artists to the Imperial Household

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

September 8, 2009 (Tue) -
December 6, 2009 (Sun)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

July 22, 2009 (Wed) - October 12, 2009 (Mon)

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 Sho-kannon Bosatsu (Arya-avalokitesvara), Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Daigoji, Kyoto)
Standing Komoku Ten (Virupakusa), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jyoruriji, Kyoto)
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara), By Injo, Kamakura period, dated 1251 - 59 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myoho-in (In the Main hall of Rengeoin), Kyoto)
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara), By Ryuen, Kamakura period, dated 1251 - 66 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myoho-in (In the Main hall of Rengeoin), Kyoto)
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara), By Tankei, Kamakura period, dated 1251 - 56 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myoho-in (In the Main hall of Rengeoin), Kyoto)

Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Heian - Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kotokuji, Tochigi)

Thematic Exhibition

Two Statues of Dainichi Nyorai and Unkei Style Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

July 22, 2009 (Wed) - October 12, 2009 (Mon)

>> detailed information
This thematic display features: the two statues of Dainichi Nyorai, which are most probably by Unkei himself; the Twelve Heavenly Generals, which some scholars think were produced at Unkei's studio; some Unkei style statues from the Kanto region; as well as works by Koen, Unkei's grandson.
Exhibit Includes:
Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Heian - Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Shinnyoen, Tokyo)
Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Heian - Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kotokuji, Tochigi)

Details

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 15, 2009 (Tue) - December 13, 2009 (Sun)

Focuses on kyo-yaki, Imari ware and other ceramics from the Edo period, together with ceramic ware related to the tea ceremony.
Current exhibit includes:
Water Jar, Peonies in overglaze enamels, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Empress Dowager Shoken)
Large Lobed Dish, Kokutani type with phoenix in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object)
Hexagonal Jar, Kakiemon type, Imari ware, Flowers in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century
Flower Vase with Handles, Iga ware, Edo period, 17th century
Set of Fan-shaped Mukozuke Vessels, Oribe type, Mino ware, Edo period, 17th century
Water Jar with Handles, Takatori ware, With brown glaze, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 15, 2009 (Tue) - December 13, 2009 (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:
Raiban (abbot's seat), Gentian fliower design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tebako (cosmetic box), Design of cypress fans in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura Period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 15, 2009 (Tue) - December 6, 2009 (Sun)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the National Treasure, By Sukezane.
Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, By Sukezane, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Koryu Kagemitsu", By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)
Tsword Guard, With Daruma (Bodhidharma,the founder of Zen Buddhism), By Kaneie, Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Foiled Tray, Dragon and waves in mother-of-pearl inlay, Yuan dynasty, 14th century, China (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Chinese Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

August 25, 2009 (Tue) - October 18, 2009 (Sun)

>> detailed information
This exhibition highlights distinctive aspects of Chinese lacquerware.
Exhibit includes:
Foiled Tray, Dragon and waves in mother-of-pearl inlay, Yuan dynasty, 14th century, China (Important Cultural Property)
Lobed Tray, Black lacquer, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century, China
Tray, Spiral motif in lacquer carving, Southern Song dynasty, 12th - 13th century, China
Tray, Lotus in red lacquer carving, Yuan dynasty, 14th century, China
Box, Peony arabesque in gilded hair-line engraving, Ming dynasty, 15th - 16th century, China
Tray, Flowers and birds in lacquer painting, Ming dynasty, dated 1601, China

Details

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

Thematic Exhibition

The Prayers of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 29, 2009 (Tue) - January 3, 2010 (Sun)

>> detailed information
This exhibition features items used by the Ainu people, including ritual implements, together with clothes and tools used in everyday life, giving us an insight into the ways in which the Northern people prayed to their gods.
Exhibit includes:
Ritual Implements, Hokkaido Ainu, 20th century (Transferred from the Board of the Crown Prince's Affairs)
Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Inau (Ritual staff), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crests, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Oda Shokichi and Izumi Rintaro)
Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions)
Five Stringed Harp, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)

Details

Handscroll of Minister Kibi's Trip to China (Copy), Copied by Yamana Shigetaro, Meiji Period, 19th century

Thematic Exhibition

Speaking to the Future Series: The World and Japan

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

August 18, 2009 (Tue) - October 12, 2009 (Mon)

>> detailed information
This exhibition introduces historical materials including paintings and diplomatic documents which provide an overview of Japan's international relations in and around the Edo period.
Exhibit includes:
Letter from Korean King to the Tokugawa Shogunate, Edo period, 17th - 18th century
Caricature of Arms and Armor Imported from the US, Edo period, 19th century
Diary of the Priest Sonkai's Overseas Travel, By Sonkai, Muromachi period, dated 1539 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Daiganji, Hiroshima)

Details

Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

March 24, 2009 (Tue) - March 22, 2010 (Mon)

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 8, 2009 (Tue) - October 18, 2009 (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)
Fine Moon in the Autumn, By Nagano Sofu, dated 1926 (Gift of Mrs, Sasanuma Chiyoko)
Portrait of Reiko, By Kishida Ryusei, dated 1921 (Important Cultural Property)

Large Vase, Plum tree design in iron brown under yellow glaze, By Miyagawa Kozan I, dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Artists to the Imperial Household

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

September 8, 2009 (Tue) - December 6, 2009 (Sun)

>> detailed information
Artists to the Imperial Household were appointed under an honor system created to support artists and promote the fine arts. This exhibition presents a selection of these works from the ceramic, metal art and lacquerware genres.
Exhibit includes:
Large Vase, Plum tree design in iron brown under yellow glaze, By Miyagawa Kozan I, dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property)
Album of Lacquer Paintings, By Shibata Zeshin, Meiji period, 19th century
Set of writing box and writing-paper box, Design of tanzaku-paper with genjiko pattern in maki-e lacquer, By Kawanobe Itcho, dated 1903 (Gift of Mr. Mino Kei)
Eagle, By Suzuki Chokichi, 1892 (Important Cultural Property)
Large Vase, White porcelain, Grape scroll design in relief, By Itaya Hazan, Showa period, 20th century

Details

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 3, 2009 (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　Jigoku Zoshi (Scroll of Hell)

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

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