July 16, 2018 (Mon), 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

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Gunsho chiyo (Qunshu zhiyao), Vol. 31

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

June 19, 2018 (Tue) -
September 9, 2018 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 16, 2018 (Mon)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 22, 2018 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Benkei on the Bridge

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

June 19, 2018 (Tue) -
August 19, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

June 19, 2018 (Tue) -
August 19, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
July 29, 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)

Standing Bodhisattva, Asuka period, 7th century

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 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 Bodhisattva, Asuka period, 7th century
Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, Vol. 209, The votive sutra of Prince Nagaya, Votive sutra of Prince Nagaya, Nara period, dated 712 (National Treasure, Lent by Taiheiji, Shiga)

Gunsho chiyo (Qunshu zhiyao), Vol. 31 (detail), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)

National Treasure Gallery: Gunsho chiyo (Qunshu zhiyao), Vol. 31

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 2018 (Sun)

This scroll is a transcription of a volume from a Chinese manuscript on politics, which was compiled by the order of a Tang-dynasty emperor. While many of the original volumes were lost in the early stages in China, some reached Japan and their transcriptions have survived to this day. With the text written on plain or decorated writing paper, this particular scroll is the oldest surviving transcription of the original in the world.

List of Exhibits

Portrait of Confucius (detail), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 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 Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Joruriji, Kyoto)
Fudo Myoo (Acalanatha) and the Eight Great Child Attendants, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Onjoji, Shiga)
Portrait of Confucius, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Detached Segment of Illustrated Origins of Yuzu Nenbutsu Buddhism, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Art Object)
Detached Segment of Illustrated Origins of Yuzu Nenbutsu Buddhism, Formerly owned by Mr. Hashimoto Tatsujiro, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Art Object)
Illustrated Biography of the Priest Honen, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Succession of Priests and Their Biographies, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Account of the Journey of the Retired Emperor Takakura to Itsukushima and Account of His Demise (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 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:
A Scene from The Tale of Genji, Utsusemi chapter, Muromachi period, 16th century
The Tale of Genji, Utsusemi chapter, Attributed to Asukai Masatsuna, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Account of the Journey of the Retired Emperor Takakura to Itsukushima and Account of His Demise, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Letter, By Taira no Mitsumori, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Art Object)
Testamentary Record, Written by Fujiwara no Tameie; signed by Fujiwara no Tameuji (1222-86), Kamakura period, dated 1269 (Important Cultural Property)
Testamentary Record, By Fujiwara no Tameuji, Kamakura period, dated 1269 (Important Cultural Property)

Landscape (detail), Seal of “Shuho” Muromachi period, 16th century

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 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:
Chinese Poet Li Bai Viewing a Waterfall, Inscription by Isho Tokugan, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Flower Vase in Shape of Jade Cong, Celadon glaze, Guan ware, ChinaPassed down by the Owari Tokugawa family, Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

June 19, 2018 (Tue) - September 9, 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:
Flower Vase in Shape of Jade Cong, Celadon glaze, Guan ware, ChinaPassed down by the Owari Tokugawa family, Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Water Jar, Fishing net design, Mino ware, shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century (Private collection)
Letter, By Sen no Rikyu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Tea Bowl, Horimishima type; known as "Kimura", Joseon dynasty, 16th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Hexagonal Dish with Handles, Carriage and figure design in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen ware, China; kosometsuke type, Ming dynasty, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

Domaru Type Armor, With black leather lacing and white lacing on top, omodaka style, ridged helmet, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 16, 2018 (Mon)

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:
Domaru Type Armor, With black leather lacing and white lacing on top, omodaka style, ridged helmet, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
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)
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, 18th century

Court Ladies Enjoying the Four Elegant Pastimes (detail), By Kaiho Yusho, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 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:
Scenes from the Song of Everlasting Sorrow, Artist unknown, Edo period, 17th century
Court Ladies Enjoying the Four Elegant Pastimes, By Kaiho Yusho, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Writing Box, Design of gabions and plovers in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 22, 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:
Writing Box, Design of gabions and plovers in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Carp, waterfall, and flowering plant design on divided purple and pale blue chirimen crepe ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mrs. Henry)
Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Design of paulownias and characters from the Kimigayo poem on a light blue ramie ground, Edo period, 19th century
Nail Covers, Design of narcissuses in cloisonné, Edo period, 17th–18th century
Large Dish, Peony arabesque design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Yamanaka Sadajiro)
Large Dish, Watermill design in underglaze blue, partly with celadon glaze, Nabeshima ware, Edo period, 17th–18th century (Private collection)

Letter Signed by Itakura Katsushige (detail), Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Shinke Rikizo)

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 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:
Mirror of Emperors, By Kano Tan'yu and others, Edo period, 17th century
Sketches of Flowering Plants: Summer, By Kano Tan'yu et al, Edo period, 17th century
Couplet, By Matsudaira Fumai, Edo period, dated 1782

Atsuita (Noh costume), Design of clematis arabesques on a red and white checkered ground, Edo period, 18th century

Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Benkei on the Bridge

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

June 19, 2018 (Tue) - August 19, 2018 (Sun)

The Noh play Benkei on the Bridge is based on the legendary encounter between the young warrior Ushiwaka and the fighting monk Benkei. As the title suggests, this encounter takes place on a bridge, and ensues in a duel in which Benkei is subdued. In the first act, the actor portraying Benkei wears a beshimi mask, characterized by its strong, rough-hewn features, together with a mizugoromo robe and a kakuboshi cap. This costume is typical for monk characters in Noh theater. In act two, Benkei wears a happi garment, which represents armor. Ushiwaka appears for the first time in this act, and wears a beautiful furisode robe with long sleeves, which serves to reflect his young age. These costumes contrast the vigor of Benkei with the elegance of Ushiwaka.

Current exhibit includes:
Happi (Noh costume), Design of clouds and dharma wheels on a dark blue ground, Edo period, 19th century (Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Hangire (Noh costume), Design of undulating stripes, tomoe comma shapes, and hammer wheels on a red ground, Edo period, 18th century
Atsuita (Noh costume), Design of clematis arabesques on a red and white checkered ground, Edo period, 18th century

Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Design of flowing water and autumn leaves on a black plain-weave ramie ground, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

June 19, 2018 (Tue) - August 19, 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:
Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Design of flowing water and autumn leaves on a black plain-weave ramie ground, Edo period, 18th century
Katabira (Unlined summer garment), Design of bush clovers and [sho] panpipes on a white ramie ground, Edo period, 19th century
Inro (Medicine case), Design of fireflies in [maki-e] lacquer, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

One Hundred Famous Places of Edo: Fireworks at Ryogoku (detail), By Utagawa Hiroshige, Edo period, dated 1858

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - July 29, 2018 (Sun)

The genre of Japanese art called ukiyo-e portrays the common people of the Edo period (1603–1868) as well as their interests and leisure activities. Early ukiyo-e was all painted by hand. Later, ukiyo-e prints began to be mass-produced using woodblocks, while subsequent advances in woodblock carving and printing led to the creation of multicolor prints called nishiki-e, or “brocade pictures,” so called because of their vibrant combinations of pigments. The current exhibition features Above and Beneath the Bridge, a large-scale work consisting of three prints, as well as other prints in a variety of sizes, including vertically long “pillar prints.” These works include summer themes such as fireworks, the Niwaka festival in the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters, and scenes of cooling off.

Current exhibit includes:
Above and Beneath the Bridge, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, 18th century
Female Geisha at the Niwaka Festival in the Pleasure Quarters: The Ogiebushi Performers Oiyo and Takeji Preparing for the Omando, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, dated 1783 (Important Art Object)
Sundial of Young Women: Hour of the Snake, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, 18th centur (Important Cultural Property)
One Hundred Famous Places of Edo: Fireworks at Ryogoku, By Utagawa Hiroshige, Edo period, dated 1858

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

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

The 150th Anniversary of the Meiji Restoration; The Meiji Era in Calligraphy and Painting

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
September 2, 2018 (Sun)

Former Edo Castle (detail), By Takahashi Yuichi, Dated 1872

Thematic Exhibition

The 150th Anniversary of the Meiji Restoration; The Meiji Era in Calligraphy and Painting

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - September 2, 2018 (Sun)

The Meiji Restoration, which took place 150 years ago, led not only to major reforms in Japan’s political system and society, but also affected its culture in a variety of ways. This thematic exhibition, the primary scope of which is the early Meiji era, explores different aspects of this turning point in Japanese history by observing nature, people, cities, and historical events as they were depicted in modern works of calligraphy and painting now in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum. We hope that this exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to become familiar with Japan’s Meiji era as it was depicted in both calligraphy and painting.

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

May 8, 2018 (Tue) -
July 22, 2018 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

July 3, 2018 (Tue) -
September 30, 2018 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
September 30, 2018 (Sun)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
September 17, 2018 (Mon)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
September 30, 2018 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Buddhist Sculpture from the Edo Period to the Modern Era

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
September 30, 2018 (Sun)
Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

July 10, 2018 (Tue) -
September 2, 2018 (Sun)
Life in Ryukyu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

May 22, 2018 (Tue) -
August 5, 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

June 19, 2018 (Tue) -
September 9, 2018 (Sun)
Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

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

Standing Bishamon, ten (Vaisravana) (detail), Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Dojoji, Wakayama)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

May 8, 2018 (Tue) - July 22, 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 Kichijo Ten (Mahasri), Formerly passed down at Omiya Jinja, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, Heian period, 10th century
Standing Bishamon, ten (Vaisravana), Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Dojoji, Wakayama)

Writing Box, Courtly carriage design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

July 3, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 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:
Saddle, Lion design in mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian-Kamakura period, 12th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kano Jigoro)
Writing Box, Courtly carriage design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tebako (Cosmetic box) and Its Contents, Tachibana (citrus) tree design in maki-e lacquer, Nanbokucho period, dated 1390 (National Treasure, Lent by Kumanohayatama taisha, Wakayama)

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 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:
Reliquary for Cintamani (Sacred jewel), Stupa type, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Chofukuji, Nara)
Hanging Lantern, Design of plums and bamboos 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)
Mirror with an Image of Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara) in Hairline Engraving, Heian period, dated 1159 (Important Cultural Property)

Tanto Sword, Known as "Atsushi Toshiro", By Yoshimitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - September 17, 2018 (Mon)

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

Current exhibit includes:
Chokuto Sword, Known as "Suiryu ken", Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tanto Sword, Known as "Atsushi Toshiro", By Yoshimitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)
Tachi Sword, By Nagamitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)

Large Bowl, Landscape design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 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 in Shape of Gold Powder BagYellow glaze, Takatori ware, Edo period, 17th century
Tiered Box with Handle, Dragon and wave design in underglaze blue, By Aoki Mokubei, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kasagi Toru)
Large Dish with Foliate Rim, Flying phoenix design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Ms. Yamamoto Tomiko and Mr. Yamamoto Kenji)
Sake Flasks, Autumn grasses design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Kakiemon type, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)
Large Bowl, Landscape design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century

The Taoist Immortal Xiama, By Takahashi Hozan, Edo Period, 19th century

Thematic Exhibition

Buddhist Sculpture from the Edo Period to the Modern Era

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 2018 (Sun)

From the Edo period (1603–1868) to the Meiji era (1868–1912), the circumstances surrounding Buddhist art in Japan changed dramatically. In the Meiji era, a nationalistic movement to expel Buddhism, which some viewed as a foreign religion, led to the destruction of countless Buddhist sculptures. Meanwhile, the craftsmen who created these sculptures were forced to seek new work. The government, however, fearing the continued destruction of these objects, so symbolic of Japan’s history and culture, took measures to protect them. Thus, in the Modern era, Buddhist sculptures, which had been objects of workshop, also came to be accepted as “cultural properties,” while former Buddhist sculptors began to use their abilities to create what was now considered art. This thematic exhibition compares sculptures from the Edo period and the Meiji era, allowing visitors to examine how the diversification of values prompted new developments in Buddhist sculptural expression.

Details

Map of the Koshudochu Highway, Naito-shinjuku (detail), Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)

Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

July 10, 2018 (Tue) - September 2, 2018 (Sun)

Tokyo National Museum includes a large collection of historical objects and documents. This collection began with objects previously owned by the Edo shogunate government. From the museum's establishment in 1872 (Meiji 5) onward, the collection grew through the holding of exhibitions as well as surveys of cultural properties.

Current exhibit includes:
Bird's-eye View of the Keep at the Main Enclosure of Edo Castle, Edo period, 19th century
Teahouse Konnichian, By Matsudaira Sadanobu, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi)
Map of the Koshudochu Highway, Naito-shinjuku, Shimotakaido, Kamitakaido, Kokuryo, Kamifuda, Shimofuda, Shimoishiwara, and Kamiishiwara, Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)
Distant View from Shimofuri Bridge, Nikko, By Yokoyama Matsusaburo, Dated 1869–70
Karamon Gate of Toshogu Shrine, Nikko, By Yokoyama Matsusaburo, Dated 1869–70

Hair Ornament for Noro (Female shaman), Amami Oshima Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 18th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)

Life in Ryukyu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

May 22, 2018 (Tue) - August 5, 2018 (Sun)

Tokyo National Museum’s collection of materials from Ryukyu (present-day Okinawa) comprises mainly objects purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce from Okinawa prefecture in 1884. In addition to these, special mention should be made of the donated materials related to the noro (female shamans) of Yamato-mura on Amami Oshima island in Kagoshima prefecture. These materials are all significant for the study of Ryukyu culture.

Current exhibit includes:
Covered Food Tray, Landscape, pavilion, and figure design in haku-e lacquer (gold leaf imprint), Ryukyu, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (On exhibit through June 24, 2018)
Ritual Fan, Amami Oshima Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko, On exhibit through June 24, 2018)
Hair Ornament for Noro (Female shaman), Amami Oshima Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 18th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)
Headwear for Prince, Ryukyu, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Higa Kamato, On exhibit from June 26, 2018)
Dogin (Outer garment), Screen, cypress fan, wisteria, and clematis flower design in yuzen dyeing on light blue plain weave silk ground, Amami Oshima Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko, On exhibit from June 26, 2018)
Garment in Bingata Stencil Dyeing, Stream, flowering plant, and shellfish design on white cotton ground, Ryukyu, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century (On exhibit through June 24, 2018)

Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

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

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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.

Master Goryu (detail), By Yokoyama Taikan, Dated 1912

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

June 19, 2018 (Tue) - September 9, 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:
Yumedono Hall, By Yasuda Yukihiko, Dated 1912
Master Goryu, By Yokoyama Taikan, Dated 1912
Seashore Village (Houses with white plaster walls), By Nakamura Tsune, Dated 1910
Eagle, By Suzuki Chokichi, Dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago)

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

July 16, 2018 (Mon), 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: Gunsho chiyo (Qunshu zhiyao), Vol. 31

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

The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Benkei on the Bridge

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

2nd floor

The 150th Anniversary of the Meiji Restoration; The Meiji Era in Calligraphy and Painting

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

Buddhist Sculpture from the Edo Period to the Modern Era

Records of History

Life in Ryukyu

Conservation and Restoration

Modern Art

Creation Process of Bingata

Exhibitions and Events

Visitor Information

Education

Collections

Research

About TNM

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