April 24, 2018 (Tue), 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: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
July 16, 2018 (Mon)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Lotus Sutra, Known as "Kunoji kyo"; Hoben bon chapte

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

March 20, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
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)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
May 27, 2018 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

2018 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8 & Room 11

April 17, 2018 (Tue) -
May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Bugaku in Japan’s Medieval Period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
June 17, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 17, 2018 (Tue) -
May 13, 2018 (Sun)

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)

Buddhist Incantation from the "One Million Pagodas" (detail), Nara period, 8th century

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 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 Buddha, The Horyuji Treasures, Asuka period, 7th century
Buddhist Incantation from the "One Million Pagodas", Nara period, 8th century

Lotus Sutra, Known as "Kunoji kyo"; Hoben bon chapter (detail), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Tesshuji, Shizuoka)

National Treasure Gallery: Lotus Sutra, Known as "Kunoji kyo"; Hoben bon chapte

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)

This scroll is part of a thirty-volume decorative sutra, which, as a magnificent work of art, equals the Lotus Sutra donated by the Heike clan. Twenty-seven other volumes of the original thirty have been preserved at Tesshuji temple. This set was created upon the announcement that the Empress Dowager Taikenmon’in ― the consort of the Cloistered Emperor Toba ― would become a nun at the age of forty two. It was to be used particularly for a Buddhist memorial service, held for the Empress Dowager while she was still alive, to pray for the repose of her soul after death. Those who were involved in the creation of this sutra include individuals associated with the Empress Dowager, such as the cloistered emperor himself and another consort of his, Lady Bifukumon’in.

List of Exhibits

Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra) and Ten Rasetsunyo (Raksasi)　(detail), Kamakura period, 14th century

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 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:
Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra) and Ten Rasetsunyo (Raksasi), Kamakura period, 14th century
Portrait of Priestess Myonen, Inscription by Nichijo dated 1564, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Art Object)
The Origins of Inabado Temple and Its Statue of Yakushi, Kamakura period, dated 1323 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Joufukuji, Ibaraki)
Lotus Sutra, Funbestu kudoku hon chapter, Kamakura period, dated 1253 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Hogonji, Shiga)
Lotus Sutra, Vol. 4, Known as the "Sensoji kyo", Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, Lent by Senso-ji, Tokyo)

Illustrated Scroll of Story about Tsuchigumo, the Monstrous Spider (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 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:
Illustrated Scroll of Story about Tsuchigumo, the Monstrous Spider, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Anthology of Poems Composed by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki and Minamoto no Muneyuki, Attributed to Fujiwara no Teika, Heian period, 12th century (Important Art Object, Lent by Tokushu Tokai Paper Co., Ltd., Tokyo)
Segment of Anthology of Poems Composed by Minamoto no Michinari, Attributed to Fujiwara no Tadaie, Heian period, 12th century (Important Art Object)
Kokin shu Poetry Anthology, Continued, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Landscape 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

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 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:
River and Mountains at Sunset, Attributed to Shubun, Inscriptions by Daigu Shochi and eleven other monks, Muromachi period, ca. 1437 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Geju (Buddhist verse), By Ikkyu Sojun, Muromachi period, dated 1467
Landscape 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

The Imperial Visit to Ohar (detail), By Hasegawa Kyuzo, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century

Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - May 27, 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:
The Imperial Visit to Ohar, By Hasegawa Kyuzo, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
Flowers, Birds and Insects of the Four Seasons, Artist unknown, Muromachi–Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century

Thematic Exhibition

2018 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8 & Room 11

April 17, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)

This exhibition introduces 58 objects from among those newly designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in 2018.

Details

Ryoto (Bugaku costume), Design of a double-vine peony arabesque in gold brocade on a dark blue ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Noh and Kabuki: Bugaku in Japan’s Medieval Period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (Sun)

A style of dance called Bugaku was introduced from continental Asia to Japan in the Nara period (710–794) and evolved as a form of entertainment performed at the imperial court in the following Heian period (794–1192). This exhibit presents masks, headwear, and costumes from the Niutsuhime Jinja shrine in Wakayama prefecture that were worn for Bugaku performances. These performances were held during the “Issai Kyoe” Buddhist ceremony, which has continued since the Kamakura period (1192–1333). We invite you to view these objects and their designs, which were created with materials and techniques unique to Japan’s medieval period..

Current exhibit includes:
Bugaku Mask, Taishotoku type, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Bugaku Mask, Onintei type, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Hanpi (Bugaku costume), Design of butterflies in kyokechi dyeing on a purple plain-weave silk ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Muromachi period, 15th century
Ryoto (Bugaku costume), Design of a double-vine peony arabesque in gold brocade on a dark blue ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Design of abalone strips and wisterias on a parti-colored white and reddish black figured-satin ground, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 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 abalone strips and wisterias on a parti-colored white and reddish black figured-satin ground, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Design of tea-picking scenes on a blue habutae-silk ground, Edo period, 19th century
Inro (Medicine case), Design of clam shells in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

Fight between Tatsugoro, a Fireman of the Me Squad and Daihachi, a Sumo Wrestler (detail), By Toyohara Kunichika, Meiji era, 19th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

April 17, 2018 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)

This exhibit features works themed on the seasonal festival of May, better known as the Boys’ Festival, with vigorous works such as portrayals of Samurai and Kintaro, the powerful boy in legends.

Current exhibit includes:
The Arched Bridge at Kameido, By Isoda Koryusai, Edo period, 18th century
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Yamanba and Kataoka Nizaemon VII as Kintaro, By Katsukawa Shunko, Edo period, 18th century
Fight between Tatsugoro, a Fireman of the Me Squad and Daihachi, a Sumo Wrestler, By Toyohara Kunichika, Meiji era, 19th century

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
July 22, 2018 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - July 22, 2018 (Sun)

Including:
Nine-Tailed Fox, Bishu Saito, 1986
Begining and End, By Kiho Takagi, 1995
Wind Shines, By Kozan Fukuyama, 1994
Squirrel, By Yako (Akemi) Ota, 1997
Lovelorn Ghost, By Michael Birch, Dated 1976

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
July 1, 2018 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

February 27, 2018 (Tue) -
May 20, 2018 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Tea Bowls of Japan: Raku Ware and Other Wares from Mino, Kyoto, Karatsu, and Takatori

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

April 24, 2018 (Tue) -
June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

March 20, 2018 (Tue) -
May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Ainu and Ryukyu: The Prayers of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 27, 2018 (Tue) -
May 20, 2018 (Sun)
Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

April 15, 2014 (Tue) -
March 31, 2020 (Tue)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

March 20, 2018 (Tue) -
May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

April 18, 2017 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)

Writing Box, Scene portraying a poem known as "Otokoyama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - July 1, 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:
Writing Box, Scene portraying a poem known as "Otokoyama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Box for Priest's Vestments, Seascape design in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, 10th century (National Treasure, Lent by Kyo'ogokokuji, Kyoto)
Chest with Legs, Suminoe Beach design in maki-e lacquer, Nanbokucho period, dated 1357 (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror Box, Paulownia, bamboo, and phoenix design in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Atsuta Jingu, Aichi)

Basin for Anointing an Image of the Infant Buddha, Design of hosoge flowers, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - June 24, 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:
Flower Basket, Openwork design, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)
Butterfly-shaped Kei Gong, Excavated at Miyabuchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Heian period, dated 1001 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Takahashi Tamotsu)
Waniguchi Gong, Excavated at Miyabuchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Heian period, dated 1001 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Takahashi Tamotsu)

Tachi Sword, By Yoshifusa, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

April 10, 2018 (Tue) - June 24, 2018 (Sun)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Tachi Sword By Yoshifusa.

Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, By Masatsune, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Koide Fusatada)
Tachi Sword, By Yoshifusa, 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

Tea Bowl, Known as "Hashi hime", Mino ware, Shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th-17th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

Thematic Exhibition

Tea Bowls of Japan: Raku Ware and Other Wares from Mino, Kyoto, Karatsu, and Takatori

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 24, 2018 (Sun)

This exhibition features Japanese-style tea bowls for use in the tea ceremony.
Visitors are invited to appreciate the charm of Japanese-style tea bowls from some of the most prominent kilns that added uniqueness to the tea ceremony.

Details

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.

Details

Exhibitions

April 24, 2018 (Tue), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

The Dawn of Japanese Art: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

National Treasure Gallery: Lotus Sutra, Known as "Kunoji kyo"; Hoben bon chapte

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

The Art of Tea Ceremony

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2018 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

Noh and Kabuki: Bugaku in Japan’s Medieval Period

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

Tea Bowls of Japan: Raku Ware and Other Wares from Mino, Kyoto, Karatsu, and Takatori

Records of History

Ainu and Ryukyu: The Prayers of the Ainu People

Conservation and Restoration

Modern Art

Creation Process of Bingata

Exhibitions and Events

Visitor Information

Education

Collections

Research

About TNM

Other