PDF)Finding Cherry Blossoms in the Jananese Gallery (Honkan)
Finding Cherry Blossom in the Japanese Gallery (Honkan)
March 13, 2018 (Tue) -
April 8, 2018 (Sun)
March 23, 2018 (Fri), 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.
Finding Cherry Blossom in the Japanese Gallery (Honkan)
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Asukayama (detail), By Torii Kiyonaga, Edo period, 18th century
Finding Cherry Blossoms in the Jananese Gallery (Honkan)
Finding Cherry Blossom in the Japanese Gallery (Honkan)
March 13, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)
To coincide with the Springtime Opening of the Museum Garden (Tuesday, March 13- Sunday, May 20, 2018), many artworks featuring cherry blossoms are on display in the Japanese Gallery. Come and enjoy the various expressions of cherry blossom depicted in ancient and modern masterpieces.
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated from Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century
The Dawn of Japanese Art: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - July 16, 2018 (Mon)
Current exhibit includes:
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated from Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century
Deep Bowl, Excavated from Miyanomae, Ina-shi, Nagano, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Kinki-region style, Excavated from Mukaiyama, Ibaraki, Hidaka-cho, Wakayama, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Dogu (Clay figurine), Excavated at Kamikurokoma, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Miyamoto Naokichi)
Segment of Annotated Ryoga kyo (Lankavatara Sutra), Nara period, 8th century (Gift of Mr. Uemura Wado)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (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 Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara), Excavated at Mount Nachi, Nachikatsu'ura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Asuka period, 7th century (Gift of Mr. Kitamata Tomeshiro and two others)
Ho'on Kyo Sutra, Attributed to Gyoyo, Nara period, 8th century
Merrymaking under Blossom Trees (detail), By Kano Naganobu, Edo period, 17th century (National Treasure)
National Treasure Gallery: Merrymaking under Blossom Trees
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2
March 13, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)
Depicted on this pair of screens is a scene of cherry blossom viewing by people dressed in garments with the latest designs. Whether it was intended to portray a particular event or setting is unclear. The surrounding trees and curtains, however, create a dramatic effect in which the people performing a folk dance and the ladies watching them appear as though they were on a stage.
Tengu zoshi, Toji and Daigoji Version(detail), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)
Buddhist art is one of the major genres that define Japanese art. Many masterworks date from the late Heian period, a time characterized as classical in Japanese art history. After the Kamakura period, Buddhist art further developed in its materials, methods, and styles as Zen schools and other new Buddhist schools emerged, together with the influence from the Chinese arts. This exhibit features artworks from the Heian to Kamakura periods, when Buddhist art most flourished, adding siginificant objects from the Nanbokucho and periods.
Current exhibit includes:
Standing Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), Wood, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
The Descent of Amitabha with Divine Attendants, Kamakura period, 14th century
Mandala of the Deer of Kasuga Shrine, Muromachi period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Naito Gyoho)
Tengu zoshi, Toji and Daigoji Version, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Words of Prayer, By Jien, Kamakura period, dated 1224 (Important Cultural Property)
Lotus Sutra, By Fujiwara no Sadanobu, Heian period, 12th century (Private collection)
Horse Stables(detail), Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)
The courtiers were strongly involved in the arts through the Heian and Muromachi periods, their aesthetic tastes playing a great role in Japanese art history. Literature works such as waka poems and other calligraphy written by courtiers, and e-maki narrative picture scrolls displayed in this room with decorative art objects.
Current exhibit includes:
Horse Stables, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya)
Album of Exemplary Calligraphy Known as "Karigane jo", Heian-Kamakura period, 11th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Mirror with Image of Zao Gongen in Hairline Engraving, Auspicious flower and phoenix pair design, Excavated at Kinpusen range of ridges, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Heian period, 12th century
Landscapes of the Four Seasons(detail), Attributed to Shubun, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (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:
Admonition by Monk Yongming Yanshou, By Shokai Reiken, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Taiko'an, Kyoto)
Landscapes of the Four Seasons, Attributed to Shubun, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Sake Flask, Cherry blossom and stream design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
The Art of Tea Ceremony
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (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 Kettle, Japanese kerria design, Ashiya ware, Shinnari type, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Art Object, Lent by the Satoh Artcraft Research & Scholarship Foundation)
Water Jar, Kosometsuke type; Cherry blossom and stream design in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen ware, China, Ming dynasty, 17th century (Private collection)
Flower Vase with Lugs, Iga ware, Edo period, 17th century
Sake Flask, Cherry blossom and stream design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Gusoku Type Armor, Two-piece cuirass with black lacing, Formerly used by Sakakibara Yasumasa, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Rooms 5 & 6
February 14, 2018 (Wed) - May 6, 2018 (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:
Gusoku Type Armor, Two-piece cuirass with black lacing, Formerly used by Sakakibara Yasumasa, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tachi Sword, By Sukezane, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Toshogu, Tochigi)
Uchigatana Style Sword Mounting (For tachi sword by Sukezane), With black-lacquered scabbard, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 17th century (National Treasure, Lent by Toshogu, Tochigi)
Undergarment for Armor, Bouquet, auspicious motifs and Horai (Penglai, Land of Immortals) design on white twill ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Aoki Kinzo)
Kamishimo (Warriors' Costume), Pine-leaf design with three-leaves hollyhock crests on yellow-green ramie, Purportedly owned by Tsunayoshi, the fifth-generation, Tokugawa shogun, Edo period, 19th century
Cherry Blossom Viewing(detail), By Sumiyoshi Gukei, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Nishiwaki Kenji)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (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:
Cherry Blossom Viewing, By Sumiyoshi Gukei, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Nishiwaki Kenji)
Kabuki Theater and Other Amusements, Artist unknown, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Tiered Stand, Mount Yoshino design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yano Tsuruko)
The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8
January 30, 2018 (Tue) - April 15, 2018 (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:
Picnic Set, Hollyhock crest design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century,
Yogi (Kimono-shaped quilt), Snowflake design on white twill weave ground, Edo period, 18th century
Junihitoe (Formal garment of high-ranking court lady), For naishi no suke rank, Edo period, 19th century
Sokutai (Formal garment for nobleman), Edo period, 19th century
Standing Daruma (Bodhidharma), By Murata Seimin, Edo period, 19th century
Large Dish, Flower and bird design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Tiered Box with Lid, Camellia, pine, bamboo, and plum design in overglaze enamel and openwork, Kyoto ware, Edo period, 18th century
Tea Bowl, Plum blossom design in overglaze enamel, By Nonomura Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Scenes from The Tale of Genji, Chapters Eawase (Picture-matching contest) and Kocho (Butterflies)(detail), By Kano〈Seisen'in〉Osanobu, Edo period, 19th century
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 15, 2018 (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:
Albums of Sketches, By Maruyama Okyo, Edo period, 18th century
A Scene from a Journey on Boat, By Tanomura Chikuden, Edo period, dated 1830 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Calligraphy for Plaque of Shunsoro Tea Room, By Prince-priest Sonsho (Edo period, 18th century)
Ode to Cherry Blossoms, By Sakuma Shozan, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Aizu Hideo)
Atsuita (Noh costume), Design of clouds, screens with arrows, and fish scales on red and green ground, Edo period, 19th century
Noh and Kabuki: The Forms of Gods and Demons in Noh
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9
February 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)
Noh plays were originally performed as offerings to the gods. Characters that appear in these plays include a variety of gods and demons, the creation of which was stimulated by a fear of nature and unearthly "spirits." The colors, patterns, and shapes of the costumes used for these roles depend on the type of god or demon being portrayed. For this exhibition, we have recreated the appearances of three different types of gods inspired by the latter half of the Noh play Arashiyama. Visitors are also encouraged to view a related exhibition, The Masks of Japan: Gods and Demons in Noh and Kyogen, in Room 14 on the first floor of this building.
Current exhibit includes:
Atsuita (Noh costume), Design of clouds, screens with arrows, and fish scales on red and green ground, Edo period, 19th century
Kariginu (Noh costume), Edo period, 18th century, (Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Design of weeping cherries, chrysanthemums, and tanzaku poem cards on a parti-colored chirimen crepe ground, Edo period, 18th century
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10
February 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (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 stripes, windows, and plum branches on a light-yellow chirimen crepe ground, Formely owned by Noguchi Hikobei, Edo period, 18th century
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Design of young pines, cherries, and curtains on a white figured-satin ground, Edo period, 18th century
Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Design of weeping cherries, chrysanthemums, and tanzaku poem cards on a parti-colored chirimen crepe ground, Edo period, 18th century
Inro (Medicine case), Design of the monk Saigyo viewing Mount Fuji in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)
View of Cherry Blossoms in the Shinyoshiwara Pleasure Quarters(detail), By Utagawa Toyokuni, Edo period, 19th century
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e
2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 15, 2018 (Sun)
Many ukiyo-e works place value on references to the four seasons. This exhibition showcases works that depict famous sites for cherry-blossom viewing in Edo (now Tokyo), such as Ueno, Asakusa, Goten’yama, Yoshiwara, Asukayama, and Sumida River. Also included in the lineup are various genres of ukiyo-e prints and paintings such as "courtesans on an excursion" and "flowers and birds" that feature cherry blossoms.
Current exhibit includes:
Playing Sugoroku in Yayoi, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Cherry-blossom Viewing at Asukayama, By Torii Kiyonaga, Edo period, 18th century
Cherry-Blossom Viewing at Asukayama, By Katsukawa Shuncho, Edo period, 18th century
View of Cherry Blossoms in the Shinyoshiwara Pleasure Quarters, By Utagawa Toyokuni, Edo period, 19th century
2nd floor
Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection
2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room
January 30, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Strange Things Do Happen!, By Tachihara Kangyoku, 1992
Melon, Kinuyo Hariya, 1996
Ground Cherry, Seiho Azuma, 1994
Squirrel, Tadamine Nakagawa, 1989
Hatching Snake, Susan Wraight, 1993
2nd floor
Conservation and Restoration of the Tokyo National Museum Collection
2nd floor
Room T1
March 13, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)
The Museum exhibits and conserves cultural properties, passing them down to future generations. To fulfill these goals, we practice conservation activities under three principles: (1) preventive conservation, in which different environments such as storage spaces and galleries are made suitable for the objects; (2) analyses of the objects’ conditions and the environments in which they are kept; and (3) interventive conservation, which ranges from emergency treatments to extensive repairs.
This exhibition features recently restored objects in order to share the Museum’s conservation activities with the public. It aims to deepen understanding of the Museum’s activities and the restoration of cultural properties, as well as the cultural and historical backgrounds of these properties.
Bevel-edged Footed Tray, Flying phoenix design in overglaze enamel, Attributed to Okuda Eisen, Edo period, 18th-19th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Mr. Okochi Masatoshi)
Kyoto Ware Potters of the Late Edo Period: Okuda Eisen and His Pupils
2nd floor
Room T2
February 6, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)
This exhibition sheds light on Okuda Eisen (1753–1811), a renowned potter of Kyoto ware who was active in the late Edo period, and his pupils. In an attempt to meet the demands of the time, during which the custom of drinking leaf tea was becoming popular and Chinese art and culture was highly admired, Eisen, for the first time in Japan, fired porcelain in Kyoto. Eisen’s pupils – Aoki Mokubei, Kinkodo Kisuke, and Nin’nami Dohachi – contributed to the founding and expansion of local kilns beyond Kyoto, in various feudal domains where they were invited to provide guidance.
Visitors are invited to view ceramic works by these prominent, Kyoto-based potters as well as those created at the associated local kilns.
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Standing Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Ekadasamukha), Formerly preserved at Tonomine, Nara, Tang dynasty, 7th century (Important Cultural Propert)
Japanese Sculpture
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11
February 6, 2018 (Tue) - April 15, 2018 (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), Formerly preserved at Tonomine, Nara, Tang dynasty, 7th century (Important Cultural Propert)
Standing Fudo Myo'o (Acalanatha), Heian period, 11th century (Gift of Mr. Okano Tetsusaku)
Standing Kichijo Ten (Mahasri), Formerly owned by Omiya Jinja, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, Heian period, 10th century
Writing Box, Scene illustrating a poem known as "Shio no yama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Lacquerware
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (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:
Tebako (Cosmetic box), Scattered fan design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura-Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Writing Box, Reed and boat design in maki-e lacquer, Attributed to Hon'ami Koetsu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Box for Priest's Vestment, Mount Penglai (Horai) design in maki-e lacquer, Horyuji Treasures Collection, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Writing Box, Scene illustrating a poem known as "Shio no yama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Red-lacquered Oshiki (plate) and Keisu (cup stand), Muromachi period, dated 1457 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Masumida Shrine, Aichi)
Red-lacquered Lobed Tray, Muromachi period, dated 1455 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, Tokyo)
Red-lacquered Tray with Three Legs, Nanbokucho period, dated 1379 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Hotsumisakiji, Kochi)
Hanging Lantern, Plum and bamboo design in openwork, Excavated at Sen'yoji temple site, Chibadera-machi, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Muromachi period, dated 1550 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hatano Yujiro)
Metalwork
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)
This exhibition provides a historical overview of Japanese metalwork from the Heian (794–1192) to the Edo (1603–1868) period. Objects are displayed by category, such as Buddhist ritual implements, mirrors, tea kettles, objects with designs in cloisonné, decorative fittings, and okimono ornaments. Visitors are invited to view the beauty of metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron, as well as the shapes they were crafted into, and the designs they were freely embellished with.
Current exhibit includes:
Hanging Lantern, Plum and bamboo design in openwork, Excavated at Sen'yoji temple site, Chibadera-machi, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Muromachi period, dated 1550 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hatano Yujiro)
Kei Gong, Lotus pond design, Excavated at Kinpusen, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Ichimenki (Set of vessels for ritual offerings), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kokenji, Kagawa)
Tachi Sword, Known as “Okanehira”, By Kanehira, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Swords
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13
January 10, 2018 (Wed) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)
Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Tachi Sword, Known as “Okanehira”, By Kanehira.
Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, Known as “Okanehira”, By Kanehira, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Daihannya Nagamitsu", By Nagamitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)
Bowl, Cherry tree design in overglaze enamel and openwork, By Nin'nami Dohachi, Edo period, 19th century
Ceramics
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13
February 27, 2018 (Tue) - May 20, 2018 (Sun)
From Japan's first glazed ceramics of the Nara period to the various wares of the late Edo period, the exhibits will introduce the history of Japanese ceramics through masterworks according to time period and production sites.
Current exhibit includes:
Large Jar, Natural glaze, Tokoname ware, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Water Jar with Straight Lip, Known as “Shiba no Iori”, Shigaraki ware, Hitoeguchi type, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Bowl, Cherry tree design in overglaze enamel and openwork, By Nin'nami Dohachi, Edo period, 19th century
Large Jar, Flowering plant design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Kakiemon type, Edo period, 17th century
Noh Mask, Obeshimi type, With the carved inscription "By Itto of Kuji on Sadogashima", Muromachi period, 15th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)
The Masks of Japan: Gods and Demons in Noh and Kyogen
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)
Noh and Kyogen have been performed for centuries in Japan, with Kyogen plays serving as comic interludes in between acts of Noh. These performing arts feature not only human characters, but also supernatural figures such as gods and demons. When playing these roles, actors wear distinctive masks that are of central importance to the performances and aid the audience in using their imaginations to flesh out the stories portrayed.
Map of Kyushu, Large scale, No. 6 (detail), By Ino Tadataka, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)
Records of History
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
The Tokyo National Museum holds many artworks and other materials that shine light on history, with the foundation of this collection consisting of materials inherited from the shogun’s government of the Edo period (1603–1868). From the time of the Museum’s establishment in 1872, this foundation was supplemented with additional materials collected through exhibitions and surveys of cultural properties. This gallery displays albums of natural science, a discipline that thrived in the Edo period, maps created in the Edo period and the following Meiji era, ink rubbings of calligraphy inscribed into stone and metal, and a variety of other historical materials. In addition, photographs from the late 19th and early 20th century, which show the people and scenery of the day, as well as expositions and cultural properties, are also shown periodically.
Current exhibit includes:
Map of Kyushu, Large scale, No. 6, By Ino Tadataka, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)
Album of Birds: Waterbirds 1, Compiled by Hotta Masa'atsu, Copy: Edo period, 18th-19th century
Map of the Nakasendo Highway, Itabashi, Warabi, Urawa, Omiya, Ageo, Okegawa and Konosu, Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)
Takeuchi Yasunori, Photograph of the Bunkyu Mission to Europe, By Robillard, Edo period, dated 1862
Fukuchi Gen'ichiro, Photograph of the Bunkyu Mission to Europe, By Robillard, Edo period, dated 1862
Related Event
<TNM & TOPPAN MUSEUM THEATER> VR program ”Map of Japan created by Ino Tadataka"
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crest, Hokkaido Ainu, Excavated at Sakurayama, Kakuta, Kuriyama-cho, Hokkaido, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintaro)
Ainu and Ryukyu: The Prayers of the Ainu People
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16
February 27, 2018 (Tue) - May 20, 2018 (Sun)
The Ainu people believed that everything in their rich natural environment, from the vast plateaus of their native northern landscapes to the infinite expanse of the ocean, possessed a soul. Things which were essential to human life and beyond human capability were regarded as deities and worshipped. The Ainu believed that a stable lifestyle would be impossible without the provision and protection of the gods. They prayed for a life of continued peace, and held rituals to verbally express their gratitude toward the gods for heeding their prayers.
This exhibition features ritual items used by the Ainu people, including crowns and necklaces, as well as implements such as inau, iku-pasui, and wooden figurines. There are also various implements that were used in the ceremonial sacrifices of bears. Together with paintings of Ainu, these objects give us insight into how the Ainu people prayed to their gods.
Current exhibit includes:
Ritual Crown, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Spatula, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
Talisman, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crest, Hokkaido Ainu, Excavated at Sakurayama, Kakuta, Kuriyama-cho, Hokkaido, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintaro)
Portrait of Tobu, the Chieftain of Monbetsu, Ezo, By Kakizaki Hakyo, Edo period, dated 1783
Conservation and Restoration
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17
April 15, 2014 (Tue) - March 31, 2020 (Tue)
>> detailed information
The preservation and conservation of cultural properties are essential aspects of our Museum's mission. From this point of view, this room features object research and examination, environmental maintenance of storage and exhibition rooms, and conservation procedures applied in accordance to materials and conditions of the objects.
Footed Bowl Brown glaze with applied crabs, By Miyagawa Kozan I, Dated 1881 (Important Cultural Property, Exhibited at the second National Industrial Exhibition)
Modern Art
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18
March 20, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (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:
Scenes from the Tropics: Morning, Dated 1914, 1914 (Important Cultural Property)
Taking Aim, By Soyama Sachihiko, Dated 1890
Princess Shakuntala and King Dushyanta, By Sato Chozan, Dated 1916
Eagle, By Suzuki Chokichi, Dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago)
Footed Bowl Brown glaze with applied crabs, By Miyagawa Kozan I, Dated 1881 (Important Cultural Property, Exhibited at the second National Industrial Exhibition)
Bingata Garment with Peony Design on White Cotton, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century *The Original artifact will be on display from July 25th to September 3rd 2017 in Gallery 16 of the Honkan (Japanese Gallery).
Creation Process of Bingata
1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19
April 18, 2017 (Tue) - August 5, 2018 (Sun)
This year’s reproduction project features a garment from Okinawa, made by using the island’s traditional bingata dyeing technique. With a mass of colorful peony flowers, buds, and leaves, all dyed on a white background, the original work is entitled: Bingata Garment with Peony Design on White Cotton. The intricate design structure and vivid colors gave our team ample opportunity to explore this superb dyeing technique that blossomed in the 19th-century Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa. What kind of dyeing techniques allow such minutely-detailed flower petals and leaf shapes, and what kind of culture nurtured the colorful style of bingata? This display explores answers to these questions through a combination of research, fieldwork, and hands-on reproduction.