September 26, 2018 (Wed), 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

July 18, 2018 (Wed) -
December 9, 2018 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Sixteen Arhats: First Arhat, Fifth Arhat

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

September 4, 2018 (Tue) -
September 30, 2018 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

September 11, 2018 (Tue) -
December 9, 2018 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

July 18, 2018 (Wed) -
September 30, 2018 (Sun)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

July 24, 2018 (Tue) -
October 14, 2018 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Eguchi

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

August 21, 2018 (Tue) -
October 14, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

August 21, 2018 (Tue) -
October 14, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 26, 2018 (Wed) -
October 21, 2018 (Sun)

Deep Bowl with Flame-like Ornamentation, Attributed provenance: Umataka, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

July 18, 2018 (Wed) - December 9, 2018 (Sun)

Current exhibit includes:
Deep Bowl with Flame-like Ornamentation, Attributed provenance: Umataka, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Crossed bands design, From Mukaiyama, Ibaraki, Hidaka-cho, Wakayama, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb object), Man carrying a hoe, From Shimofurei-cho, Isesaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century
Dogu (Clay figurine), With goggle-shaped eyes, Excavated at Rokugo ishinadate, Misato-cho, Akita, Jomon period, 1,000–400 BC
Mirror, Imaginary crocodile-like creature design, Provenance unknown, Kofun period, 4th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Dan Inou)

Detached Segment of the Sovereign Kings of the Golden Light Sutra on Indigo Paper, Attributed to Emperor Shomu, Nara period, 8th century

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 28, 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:
Seated Shaka Nyorai (Sakyamuni), Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Saidaiji, Nara)
Mondakatsuo kyo Sutra, Nara period, dated 740

Sixteen Arhats: First Arhat (detail), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)

National Treasure Gallery: Sixteen Arhats: First Arhat, Fifth Arhat

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

September 4, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 2018 (Sun)

Arhats are holy men who have completed their Buddhist training. The sixteen arhats were purportedly entrusted by the Buddha to maintain the Buddhist Law and save living beings after his death. These exceptional paintings are the oldest extant images of arhats from this grouping. Their characteristics include forms that originated in Tang-dynasty China and an emphasis on the use of gentle colors favored by the Japanese nobility of the 11th century.

List of Exhibits

Mandala of the Tusita Realm (detail), Nanbokucho period, ca. 1348

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 28, 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:
Seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), Kamakura period, 12th–13th century (Lent by Ganshoji, Shizuoka)
Mandala of the Tusita Realm, Nanbokucho period, ca. 1348
Portrait of Kosho Bosatsu (Priest Eizon), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Shitsusenji, Tokyo)
Record of the Origin of Sarira (Buddhist relics) and Their Blessings, By Daikyu Shonen, Kamakura period, dated 1278 (Important Cultural Property)
Record of Counting Sarira (Buddhist relics), By Fujiwara no Tamekane, Kamakura period, dated 1293 (Important Art Object)

Poetry Contest between Poets of Different Periods, Tameie Version (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 28, 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:
Poetry Contest between Poets of Different Periods, Tameie Version, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Record of Poetry Contest at Sumiyoshi Shrine, Attributed to Saigyo, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)

Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri) (detail), By Reisai; inscription by Ryoko Shinkei, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 28, 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:
Landscape, By Gakuo Zokyu, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya)
Monk Xianzi, By Kao Ninga, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), By Reisai; inscription by Ryoko Shinkei, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Bowl, Arabesque design in overglaze enamel, Formerly owned by Okano Shigezo, 16th century (Important Art Object)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

September 11, 2018 (Tue) - December 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:
Tea Bowl, Oido type; known as "Uraku-ido", Formerly owned by Oda Urakusai and Kinokuniya Bunzaemon, Joseon dynasty, 16th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Bowl, Arabesque design in overglaze enamel, Formerly owned by Okano Shigezo, 16th century (Important Art Object)
Box for a Tea Set, Design in kinma lacquer inlay, 16–17th century
Shallow Bowl, Three-color glaze with melon design, Studio of Chojiro (d. 1589), Raku ware, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
Letter, By Sen no Rikyu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Zenda Kiichiro)
Flower Vase with Elephant-shaped Lugs, Known as ‟Akizuki”, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Tea Kettle with Ribs, Muromachi period, 16th century

Gusoku Type Armor, European-style cuirass with dark blue lacing, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

July 18, 2018 (Wed) - September 30, 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, European-style cuirass with dark blue lacing, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Hojo Tachi", By Ichimonji school, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Hyogogusari Style Sword Mounting (For sword known as “Hojo Tachi”), With triple-triangle crests, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Autumn Grasses (detail), By Tawaraya Sosetsu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 28, 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:
Autumn Grasses, By Sakai Hoitsu, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Company owned)
Millet Ears and Quails, By Tosa Mitsuoki, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Autumn Grasses, By Tawaraya Sosetsu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Bunko (Box for books and other items), Design of a maple tree in maki-e lacquer, By Hara Yoyusai, Edo period, 19th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

July 24, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 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:
Bunko (Box for books and other items), Design of a maple tree in maki-e lacquer, By Hara Yoyusai, Edo period, 19th century
Koshimaki (Summer garment worn around the waist), Design of chrysanthemums, pines, bamboos, plums, cranes, and tortoises on a red figured-satin ground, Formerly preserved by a vassal of the Kurume domain, Edo period, 18th–19th century
Hitoe (Summer garment), Steam and flowering plant on particolored purple and light blue ro gause, Edo period, 19th century
Water Dropper, Design of an eggplant with Mount Fuji and the Miho pine grove, Edo period, 18th–19th century (Gift of Mr. Watanabe Toyotaro and Mr. Watanabe Masayuki)
Shallow Bowl, Design of a bush clover, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century
Dish, Landscape and deer design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century

Monkeys Frolicking in Autumn Mountains (detail), By Mori Sosen, Edo period, 19th century (Important Art Object)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 28, 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:
Scene from ‟The Gatehouse” Chapter of The Tale of Genji, By Tawaraya Sotatsu; inscription by Karasumaru Mitsuhiro, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Monkeys Frolicking in Autumn Mountains, By Mori Sosen, Edo period, 19th century (Important Art Object)
Verse in Praise of Bodhidharma, By Seikan Bun'ei, Edo period, dated 1606

Karaori (Noh costume), Design of haze, chrysanthemums, and fan papers on a light brown, red, and green checkered ground, Formerly passed down by the Konparu troupe, Edo period, 18th century

Noh and Kabuki: Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Eguchi

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

August 21, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)

The Noh play Eguchi is based on a story in which the monk-poet Saigyo receives lodging at the home of the harlot of Eguchi. The latter act of Eguchi is quite lively, featuring the appearance of the spirits of three courtesans, riding in a boat and lamenting their sinful lives while hoping for salvation. They are played by actors wearing ko’omote masks and karaori garments with red coloring, both of which are typically used for depicting young women in Noh. The setting for this scene is nighttime, with the clear autumn moon shining brilliantly. We invite you to imagine this setting while viewing the masks and costumes on display.

Current exhibit includes:
Karaori (Noh costume), Design of chrysanthemums, Eulalia grass, and butterflies on a red and white striped ground, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori (Noh costume), Design of haze, chrysanthemums, and fan papers on a light brown, red, and green checkered ground, Formerly passed down by the Konparu troupe, Edo period, 18th century

Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Large chrysanthemum and small flower design on white figured satin ground, Edo period, 17th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

August 21, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 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:
Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Large chrysanthemum and small flower design on white figured satin ground, Edo period, 17th century
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Chrysanthemum, eulalia grass, fence, and water design on yellowish-green chirimen crepe ground, Edo period, 18th century
Inro (Medicine case), Maple and cherry design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

Enokizaka Slope (detail), By Aodo Denzen, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Hashimoto Den'emon)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

September 26, 2018 (Wed) - October 21, 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 prints related to the theme of travel. They include images of beauties paired with picturesque places by the artist Harunobu and landscapes by Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, and Hiroshige, as well as copperplate prints of scenery by Aodo Denzen.

Current exhibit includes:
Eight Views of the East: Wild Geese at Yaguchi, By Ippitsusai Buncho, Edo period, 18th century
Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: The Tama River, Bushu Province, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Enokizaka Slope, By Aodo Denzen, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Hashimoto Den'emon)

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

July 24, 2018 (Tue) -
October 14, 2018 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

July 24, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)

Including:
Cut Piece: Apple, Akira Kuroiwa, 1997
Hagoromo, Isshu Kishi, 1988
Grooming, Kiho Takagi, 1995
Owl, Onosato Zanmai, 2002
Hatching Gecko, Susan Wraight, 1997

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

July 24, 2018 (Tue) -
October 21, 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

September 19, 2018 (Wed) -
November 25, 2018 (Sun)
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

September 4, 2018 (Tue) -
October 28, 2018 (Sun)
Ainu and Ryukyu: Life of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

August 7, 2018 (Tue) -
October 28, 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

September 11, 2018 (Tue) -
December 9, 2018 (Sun)
Oshidashi Butsu－Reproducing the Repousse Buddhist Image-Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

August 7, 2018 (Tue) -
September 16, 2019 (Mon)

Standing Bosatsu (Bodhisattva), Kamakura period, 13th century

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

July 24, 2018 (Tue) - October 21, 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 Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha), Kamakura period, 13th century
Standing Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Ekadasamukha), Heian period, 9th century
Standing Bosatsu (Bodhisattva), Kamakura period, 13th century

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)

Tachi Sword, Known as “Koryu Kagemitsu” (detail), By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

September 19, 2018 (Wed) - November 25, 2018 (Sun)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Tachi Sword, Known as “Koryu Kagemitsu” By Kagemitsu.

Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, Known as “Koryu Kagemitsu”, By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)
Tanto Sword, By Kunimitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Seiichiro)

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

Album of Birds: Forest Birds, Vol. 1 (detail), Compiled by Hotta Masaatsu, Copy: Edo period, 18th–19th century

Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

September 4, 2018 (Tue) - October 28, 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:
Ink Rubbing of an Inscription on a Bell, Toshodaiji Temple, By Ichikawa Kansai Formerly owned by Ichikawa Beian, Copy: Edo period, dated 1805; original: Nara peirod, dated 753 (Gift of Mr. Ichikawa Kansai)
Album of Birds: Forest Birds, Vol. 1, Compiled by Hotta Masaatsu, Copy: Edo period, 18th–19th century
Map of the Nikko Kaido Highway, Senju, Sosenji, Soka, Koshigaya, and Osagamifudo, Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)
Karamon Gate at the Hall of Worship, Joken'in Mausoleum, Kan'eiji Temple, Meiji era, 19th century
Shishinden Hall, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Photographed during the 1872 survey, By Yokoyama Matsusaburo, Dated 1872 (Important Cultural Property)

Deer Call, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)

Ainu and Ryukyu: Life of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

August 7, 2018 (Tue) - October 28, 2018 (Sun)

The Ainu people, who lived in the harsh environment of Hokkaido and its islands, revered nature and the gods, living their lives in harmony with their natural surroundings. This exhibition features everyday items that shed light on the daily lives of the Ainu. These include hunting and fishing tools that Ainu men used, weaving tools and woven items, such as clothing and bags, used by Ainu women, as well as wooden tableware.

Current exhibit includes:
Storage House (Model), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
Weaving Beater, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century
Deer Call, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
The Village of Koropokkur, By Oda To'u, Dated 1907

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.

Garment as a Memento (detail), By Kawamura Kiyo’o, Dated 1899–1911

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

September 11, 2018 (Tue) - December 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:
White Fox, By Shimomura Kanzan, Dated 1914 (On exhibit from October 30, 2018)
Maiko Girl, By Tsuchida Bakusen, Dated 1930 (Gift of Ms. Katayama Yoshiko, On exhibit from October 30, 2018)
Garment as a Memento, By Kawamura Kiyo’o, Dated 1899–1911
Eagle, By Suzuki Chokichi, Dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago)

Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests, Asuka Period, 7th century

Oshidashi Butsu－Reproducing the Repousse Buddhist Image-Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

August 7, 2018 (Tue) - September 16, 2019 (Mon)

Repousse Buddhist Images were produced by placing a thin bronze sheet over a relief, and hammering it into shape. These were popular between the late 7th and 8th centuries, and were displayed on temple walls, or placed in small shrines for private worship.
These full-scale models show the production process divided into 6stages. We hope that they enable visitors to learn about how this type of work was created and the materials used.

Details

Exhibitions

September 26, 2018 (Wed), 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: Sixteen Arhats: First Arhat, Fifth Arhat

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 Eguchi

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

Japanese Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

Buddhist Sculpture from the Edo Period to the Modern Era

Records of History

Ainu and Ryukyu: Life of the Ainu People

Conservation and Restoration

Modern Art

Oshidashi Butsu－Reproducing the Repousse Buddhist Image-Amida (Amitabha) Triad and Two Priests

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