March 29, 2024 (Fri), 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"

Ancient Art | Ca. 11,000 BC–7th century AD

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2024 (Tue) -
June 30, 2024 (Sun)
The Arrival of Buddhism | 6th–8th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

March 12, 2024 (Tue) -
April 21, 2024 (Sun)
Volume 26 of Qunshu Zhiyao

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

March 12, 2024 (Tue) -
April 7, 2024 (Sun)
The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 20, 2024 (Tue) -
April 7, 2024 (Sun)
The Arts of the Imperial Court | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 20, 2024 (Tue) -
April 7, 2024 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting | 13th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 20, 2024 (Tue) -
April 7, 2024 (Sun)
Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

March 12, 2024 (Tue) -
April 21, 2024 (Sun)
Arms and Armor of the Samurai | 12th–19th century

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

February 6, 2024 (Tue) -
April 21, 2024 (Sun)
Paintings on Folding Screens and Sliding Doors | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

February 20, 2024 (Tue) -
April 7, 2024 (Sun)
Decorative Arts | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

February 6, 2024 (Tue) -
April 21, 2024 (Sun)
Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

February 20, 2024 (Tue) -
April 7, 2024 (Sun)
Masks and Costumes of the Noh Play Takasago

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

March 5, 2024 (Tue) -
April 21, 2024 (Sun)
The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

March 5, 2024 (Tue) -
April 21, 2024 (Sun)
The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

March 12, 2024 (Tue) -
April 14, 2024 (Sun)

Jar, Found in Gonohe Town, Aomori, Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC

Ancient Art | Ca. 11,000 BC–7th century AD

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2024 (Tue) - June 30, 2024 (Sun)

Japan has some of the earliest pottery in the world, dating back about 13,000 years. It was created by the people of the Jōmon period (ca. 11,000–400 BC). These people built permanent settlements and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering.

At the height of their culture, they made pottery with richly sculpted forms and figurines with distinctive shapes.

In the Yayoi period (ca. 4th century BC–first half of 3rd century AD), people from Northeast Asia (now China and Korea) immigrated to Japan. They brought knowledge of how to farm rice and make objects with bronze and iron. More food became available and people started making tools, weapons, and ritual objects with metal.

In the Kofun period (ca. second half of 3rd–7th century), regional rulers seized power and resources. They formed an early state and the imperial line became its central authority. These rulers had giant tomb mounds built for themselves, with clay sculptures placed outside and valuable objects buried inside to express the rulers’ authority even after death.

March 29, 2024 (Fri), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

Ancient Art | Ca. 11,000 BC–7th century AD

The Arrival of Buddhism | 6th–8th century

Volume 26 of Qunshu Zhiyao

The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century

The Arts of the Imperial Court | 8th–16th century

Zen and Ink Painting | 13th–16th century

Tea Ceremony

Arms and Armor of the Samurai | 12th–19th century

Paintings on Folding Screens and Sliding Doors | 16th–19th century

Decorative Arts | 16th–19th century

Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

Masks and Costumes of the Noh Play Takasago

The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century

The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century

2nd floor

Imperial Palanquin (Hōren)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

1st floor

The Door to Japanese Art

Japanese Culture Plaza

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Swords

Ceramics

Japanese Dolls

Historical Records

Ainu Designs and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu

Conservation and Restoration

Art of the Modern Era | Late 19th–first half of 20th century

Education Space

Education Space

1st floor: Special Exhibition

Special Exhibition Celebrating the 900th Anniversary of Its Construction: The Golden Hall of Chūson-ji Temple

Special Exhibition Celebrating the 900th Anniversary of Its Construction:
The Golden Hall of Chūson-ji Temple