January 13, 2019 (Sun), 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, 2019 (Wed) -
June 23, 2019 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Pine Trees

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
January 14, 2019 (Mon)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
March 31, 2019 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
March 10, 2019 (Sun)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
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)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Auspicious Patterns in Designs for the Noh Theater

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 24, 2019 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 24, 2019 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
January 27, 2019 (Sun)

Dogu (Clay figurine) with an Owl-shaped Face, Excavated at Takimamuro, Konosu-shi, Saitama, Jomon period, 1000 –400BC

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - June 23, 2019 (Sun)

The roots of Japanese aesthetics can be seen in earthenware from the Jomon and Yayoi periods, as well as in dogu (small earthen figurines from Jomon period), dotaku (bronze bell-shaped ritual item from the Yayoi period), haniwa (terracotta figures from the Kofun period) and bronze mirrors (used as symbols of authority in the Yayoi and Kofun periods).

Current exhibit includes:
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated at Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Design of Crossed Bands, Excavated at Azaｍukaiyama, Ibaraki, Hidaka-cho, Wakayama, Yayoi period, 1st-3rd century
Dogu (Clay figurine) with an Owl-shaped Face, Excavated at Takimamuro, Konosu-shi, Saitama, Jomon period, 1000 –400BC
Visored Helmet, With gilt-bronze decoration, Excavated at Nihonmatsuyama Tumulus, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui, Kofun period, 5th century

Seated Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), Heian period, 9th century

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (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 Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), Heian period, 9th century
Detached Segment of the Flower Garland Sutra, Vol. 9, Known as the "Burnt Sutra of Nigatsudo" Nara period, 8th century (Gift of Mr. Yanagisawa Keiso)

Pine Trees (detail), By Hasegawa Tohaku, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (National Treasure)

National Treasure Gallery: Pine Trees

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - January 14, 2019 (Mon)

Pine trees looming in dense mist are rendered solely with different shades of ink. The pines in the foreground are depicted using powerful brush strokes with deep shades of ink, while the trees standing further back are portrayed like shadows in lighter tones. The painter, Hasegawa Tohaku (1539–1610), is said to have received the inspiration for this work from and emulated the ink-painting techniques of the Chinese monk-painter Muqi (dates unknown). Among premodern Japanese painting, this is virtually the only work that endeavors to capture the atmospheric conditions and light in its composition.

List of Exhibits

Juntei Butsumo (Cundi) (detail), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (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 Minamoto Yoritomo (Presumed), Kamakura period, 13th–14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Mandalas of the Two Realms, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kaneiji, Tokyo)
Juntei Butsumo (Cundi), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
The Decent of Amida (Amitabha), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Hasedera, Nara)
Mandala of the True Buddhist Form of Hiesanno, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Reiunji, Tokyo)
Tengu zoshi, Enryakuji Version, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Lotus Sutra with Opening and Concluding Volumes, Vol. 10, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, Lent by Sensoji, Tokyo)

Illustrated Scroll of Horse Doctors (detail), Kamakura period, dated 1267 (Important Cultural Property)

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (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 Horse Doctors, Kamakura period, dated 1267 (Important Cultural Property)
Detached Segment of Illustrated Scroll of Horse Doctors, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Kokin waka shu Poetry Anthology (Gen'ei version), Vol. 2, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)
Poem of Bai Le-tian, Heian period, 12th century
Segment of Anthology of Poems Composed by Ki no Tsurayuki, Attributed to Ki no Tsurayuki, Heian period, 10th century (Gift of Mrs. Morita Chikka)

Budai(detail), By Kano Masanobu; inscription by Keijo Shurin, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (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:
Budai, By Kano Masanobu; inscription by Keijo Shurin, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
The Artistic Name "Korin" Given to a Pupil, By Tetto Giko, Nanbokucho period, 14th century

Bowl with Foliate Rim, Celadon glaze; known as "Bakohan", Longquan ware, China, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - March 31, 2019 (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:
Bowl with Foliate Rim, Celadon glaze; known as "Bakohan", Longquan ware, China, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)
Tea Kettle, Plum and bamboo design, Ashiya ware, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Art Object,Lent by The Satoh Artcraft Research & Scholarship Foundation)
Bamboo Tea Scoop, By Takeno Jo'o, Muromachi period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Naoaki)
Bowl, Wagtail design, Mino ware, Nezumi-shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Sake Ewer, Peony and lion design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs

Gusoku Type Armor, With domaru cuirass and white lacing, Edo period, 17th century

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - March 10, 2019 (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, With domaru cuirass and white lacing, Edo period, 17th century
Tanto Sword, By Yukimitsu, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure)
Aikuchi Style Sword Mounting (For tanto sword by Yukimitsu), Auspicious cloud design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century
Jinbaori (Coat worn over armor), Black feathers and Chinese character design, Reportedly used by Sakakibara Yasumasa, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th-17th century
Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Cherry blossom design on dark blue heiken plain weave silk (crest: three sectioned floral roundels in circle), Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Asakura Hanji)

Red and White Plum Blossoms (detail), Artist unknown, Edo period, 17th century (Lent by Korinji, Tokyo)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (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:
Pine, Bamboo, and Plum, By Kano Tsunenobu, Edo period, 17th century (Lent by Chion'in, Kyoto)

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

Waka Poems Composed during the Imperial Visit to Jurakudai Castle (detail), By Karasumaru Mitsuhiro, Edo period, 17th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (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:
Palm Tree in the Snow, By Hata Ichu, Edo period, 19th century
Waka Poems Composed during the Imperial Visit to Jurakudai Castle, By Karasumaru Mitsuhiro, Edo period, 17th century

Karaori Garment (Noh costume), Stylized wave, floral bouquet, fan and bottle gourd flower design on green, red and brown checkered ground, Edo period, 18th century

Noh and Kabuki: Auspicious Patterns in Designs for the Noh Theater

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 24, 2019 (Sun)

Noh theater, one of Japan's traditional performing arts, was presented at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples as an offering to the gods. In return, people hoped to be blessed with rich harvests, numerous descendants, as well as long and healthy lives. For this reason, props and costumes for Noh were often decorated with auspicious patterns–some Chinese in origin and others uniquely Japanese–that reflected these wishes. We invite visitors to take a closer look at these brilliant patterns that embody the hope for good fortune.

Current exhibit includes:
Hitatare (Noh costume), Design of cranes, tortoises, pines, and bamboos on a light-blue ramie ground, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kasuga jinja, Gifu)
Karaori (Noh costume), Design of seigaiha stylized waves, bouquets, fans, and bottle gourds on a green, red, and brown checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century

Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings), Design of paulownias and phoenixes on a red figured-satin ground, Formerly passed down by retainers of the Kurume domain, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 24, 2019 (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 paulownias and phoenixes on a red figured-satin ground, Formerly passed down by retainers of the Kurume domain, Edo period, 18th century
Uchikake (Outer garment), Design of boxes for shell-game pieces on a white figured-satin ground, Edo period, 18th century
Inro (Medicine case), Design of young pines in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: Mild Breeze on a Fine Day, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - January 27, 2019 (Sun)

The genre of art called ukiyo-e depicted the everyday people of the Edo period (1603–1868). Early in this period, ukiyo-e consisted solely of hand-painted works. Later, mass-production was carried out through woodblock printing, while advances in carving and printing techniques led to the creation of brilliant, multicolor prints. The present exhibition features ukiyo-e celebrating the New Year with scenes of Mount Fuji, the first sunrise of the year, and auspicious deities. Elaborate prints specially commissioned for this time of year are also included.

Current exhibit includes:
Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: Mild Breeze on a Fine Day, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Mitate (Allusion to) the Soga Brothers' Confrontation, By Kitagawa Utamaro Edo period, 18th century
Scenes along the Sumida River, By Chobunsai Eishi, Edo period, 19th 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

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

New Year's Celebration at the Tokyo National Museum: The Year of the Boar

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
January 27, 2019 (Sun)

Wild Boar, By Ishikawa Komei, Dated 1912 (Gift of the artist)

Thematic Exhibition

New Year's Celebration at the Tokyo National Museum: The Year of the Boar

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - January 27, 2019 (Sun)

The character for "boar" in Japan means "pig" in China and Korea for pigs are domesticated boars. Boars―fearless animals that produce many offspring―are symbolic of strength and abundant harvests.　We hope 2019 to be an energetic and fulfilling year for everyone.

Details

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

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
March 31, 2019 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
April 7, 2019 (Sun)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

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

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
March 17, 2019 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Oban and Koban Coins

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 3, 2019 (Sun)
Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

January 2, 2019 (Wed) -
February 24, 2019 (Sun)
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)

Tebako (Cosmetic box), Design of wheels-in-stream in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - March 31, 2019 (Sun)

Features maki-e works from Heian to Edo period. The exhibit shows the history and beauty of maki-e, a unique lacquerwork method that developed in Japan.

Current exhibition includes:
Tebako (Cosmetic box), Design of wheels-in-stream in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Writing Box, Design of bugaku dance in maki-e lacquer, Attributed to Hon'ami Koetsu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Saddle, Design of bush clover in mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tebako (Cosmetic box) and Contents, Plum design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Mishima Taisha, Shizuoka)

Bell with Stupa-shaped Handle, Kamakura period, 13th century

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - April 7, 2019 (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:
Kei Gong, Design of a lotus arabesque, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Zenrinji, Kyoto)
Container for Buddhist Relics in the Shape of a Flaming Wish-granting Jewel, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Implements for the Kanjo Ceremony, Kamakura–Edo period, 13th–17th century (Lent by Soneiji, Shizuoka)

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)

Large Bowl, Pine and plum tree design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - March 17, 2019 (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, [Tomoe] (comma shapes) design, Suzu ware, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Tea Bowl, Known as "Hashi hime", Mino ware, Shino type, Azuchi–Momoyama - Edo period, 16th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Flower Vase with Lugs, Iga ware, Edo period, 17th century
Tea Leaf Jar, Moon and plum design in overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Large Bowl, Pine and plum tree design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)
Large Dish, Treasure design in underglaze blue with celadon glaze, Nabeshima ware, Edo period, 17th–18th century (Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Bevel-edged Footed Tray, Flying phoenix design in overglaze enamel, Attributed to Okuda Eisen, Edo period, 18th–19th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Mr. Okochi Masatoshi)

Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) ObanGold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)

Thematic Exhibition

Oban and Koban Coins

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (Sun)

Coins called oban and koban were used in Japan from the late 16th to the mid-19th century. They were forged with a combination of gold and silver in fixed shapes and sizes under the administration of Japan’s military government. Koban (small coins), were for daily use, while oban (large coins), which were of much greater value, were usually sent as gifts by the wealthy.

Details

General Plan of the Ladies' Chambers at the Main Enclosure of Edo Castle (detail), Edo period, 19th century

Records of History

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 24, 2019 (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:
General Plan of the Ladies' Chambers at the Main Enclosure of Edo Castle, Edo period, 19th century
Model of the Pavilion of the Teahouse Sunshoan at a Sub-temple of Daitokuji (Sakuma Shogen's taste), By Matsudaira Sadanobu, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi)
Map of the Tatebayashidori Highway, Gyoda, Kamishingo: Kawamataonsekisho and Tone river, Kawamata, and Tatebayashi: Morinji temple and Tsutsujigasaki, Edo period, dated 1806 (Important Cultural Property)
Shinobazu Pond, Ueno, Meiji era, 19th century (On exhibit through January 27, 2019)
Tomioka Silk MillInterior view of silk-reeling facility, Dated 1877 (On exhibit from January 29, 2019)

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)

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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.

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

January 13, 2019 (Sun), 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: Pine Trees

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: Auspicious Patterns in Designs for the Noh Theater

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

New Year's Celebration at the Tokyo National Museum: The Year of the Boar

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

Oban and Koban Coins

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

Exhibitions and Events

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