December 11, 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 Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 16, 2018 (Tue) -
January 27, 2019 (Sun)

Suzuribako (Writing box), Design of a flock of cranes in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 16, 2018 (Tue) - January 27, 2019 (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:
Suzuribako (Writing box), Design of a flock of cranes in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Kajibaori (Coat worn during fires), Design of the Thunder God on a dark blue quilted-cotton ground, Edo period, 19th century
Yogi Quilt, Design of autumn grasses and scenes from The Tale of Genji on a white satin ground, Edo period, 18th 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)
Large Dish, Phoenix design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)
Dish, Fruit design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Kakiemon type, Edo period, Enpo era (National Treasure, Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Sake Cask, Pail shape; Pine and bamboo design in overglaze enamel, Kyoto ware, Edo period, 18th century

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

October 16, 2018 (Tue) -
January 27, 2019 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

October 16, 2018 (Tue) - January 27, 2019 (Sun)

Including:
Daruma, By Hosen Miyazawa, 1998
Kappa, By Kenji Abe, 1986
Angel's Tears, [ojime] Cheese, By Kozan Fukuyama, 2001
Winter Sparrow, By Shizuka Kimura, 1995
Belling the Cat, By Susan Wraight, 2001

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

October 23, 2018 (Tue) -
January 20, 2019 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

October 2, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

October 2, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

November 27, 2018 (Tue) -
February 17, 2019 (Sun)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

October 2, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Thematic Exhibition

Furnishings from the Higyosha of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

October 2, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

October 30, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Ainu and Ryukyu: Life of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

October 30, 2018 (Tue) -
January 20, 2019 (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

December 11, 2018 (Tue) -
March 3, 2019 (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 Bodhisattva, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

October 23, 2018 (Tue) - January 20, 2019 (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 Bodhisattva, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Standing Komokuten (Virupakusa), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Joruriji, Kyoto)

Sutra Box, Dragon coiled around sword design in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Taimadera temple, Okuno'in, Nara)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

October 2, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)

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:
Mirror Box, Mount Penglai (Island of immortals) design in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Atsuta Jingu shrine, Aichi)
Sutra Box, Dragon coiled around sword design in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Taimadera temple, Okuno'in, Nara)
Sutra Box with Inner Tray, Tray: Sakyamuni and the sixteen guardians of the Great Wisdom Sutra design in maki-e lacquer; box: lotus pond design in maki-e lacquer, Heian period, dated 1175 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Nanatsu-dera temple, Aichi)
Tebako (Cosmetic box) and Contents, Paulownia design in maki-e lacquer, Donated to the shrine in Nanbokucho period, 1390 (National Treasure, Lent by Kumano-hayatama Taisha shrine, Wakayama)

Container for Buddhist Relics in the Shape of a Flaming Wish-granting Jewel, Kamakura period, 13th-14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

October 2, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)

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, Design of a hosoge floral arabesque in openwork, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)
Container for Buddhist Relics in the Shape of a Flaming Wish-granting Jewel, Kamakura period, 13th-14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Kakebotoke (Buddhist pendant plaque), Image of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara), Kamakura period, dated 1275 (Important Cultural Property)

Tachi Sword, Known as “Dojikiri Yasutsuna” (detail), By Yasutsuna, Heian period, 10th–12th century (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

November 27, 2018 (Tue) - February 17, 2019 (Sun)

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

Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, Known as “Dojikiri Yasutsuna”, By Yasutsuna, Heian period, 10th–12th century (National Treasure)
Katana Sword, Known as “Ishida Masamune”, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Incense Burner, With lion-shaped knob, Mino ware, Oribe type, Edo period, dated 1612

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

October 2, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)

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-mouthed Jar, Yellow glaze with peony arabesque design, Seto ware, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Water Jar with Straight Lip, Karatsu ware, Chosen karatsu type, Edo period, 17th century,
Incense Burner, With lion-shaped knob, Mino ware, Oribe type, Edo period, dated 1612
Bowl, Cherry blossom and maple design in overglaze enamel, By Nin'nami Dohachi, Edo period, ca. mid-19th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Large Dish, Snowscape design in underglaze blue, Nabeshima ware, Edo period, 18th century
Covered Square Bowl, Flower and bird design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Kakiemon type, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)
Water Jar, Qilin (mythical animal) and chrysanthemum design in overglaze enamel, By Okuda Eisen, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)

Two-tiered Shelf, Design of cranes with pine sprigs in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, Edo period, 19th century

Thematic Exhibition

Furnishings from the Higyosha of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

October 2, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)

After being lost to a fire in 960, the Inner Palace of the Kyoto Imperial Palace was reconstructed multiple times over the centuries.
The works presented here–rare furnishings made in classical styles–are from the Higyosha reconstructed in 1855 and provide insight into daily life at the court.

Details

Map of Kyushu (Large-scale map), No. 9 (detail), Meiji era, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)

Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

October 30, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)

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:
Map of Kyushu (Large-scale map), No. 9, Meiji era, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)
Exhibits for the World Exposition 1873 Vienna, By Yokoyama Matsusaburo and others, Meiji era, 19th century
Map of Oshudo Highway, Shirasawa, Ujiie; Akutsukashi, and Kitsuregawa, Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)

Tray, 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

October 30, 2018 (Tue) - January 20, 2019 (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:
Mat, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century
Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Knife and Mounting, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crest, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintaro)
Coat Known as "What We Sewed Up", Hokkaido Ainu (Abuta), Formerly used by Chief Ikashi Wakka, Edo period-Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)

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.

Vegetable Garden in Spring, By Asai Chu, 1888 (Important Cultural Property)

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

December 11, 2018 (Tue) - March 3, 2019 (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:
Heresy (Trampling a Christian Image), By Kobayashi Kokei, Dated 1914
Yoroboshi, A scene from the Noh play Yoroboshi, By Shimomura Kanzan, Dated 1915 (Important Cultural Property)
Vegetable Garden in Spring, By Asai Chu, Dated 1888 (Important Cultural Property)

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

December 11, 2018 (Tue), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

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

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

Furnishings from the Higyosha of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto

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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