Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
1st floor Room 1
April 10, 2018 (Tue) -
April 7, 2019 (Sun)
September 22, 2018 (Sat), Asian Gallery (Toyokan)
The galleries feature art and artifacts from regions including China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, India, and Egypt.
1st floor
Seated Buddha, China, Sixteen Kingdoms period, 4th century
Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
1st floor Room 1
April 10, 2018 (Tue) - April 7, 2019 (Sun)
This section mainly features stone or gilt bronze Buddhist statues from about the 6th to the 8th century. The statues on display present the exquisite form of sculptures from the golden era of Buddhist statues in China.
Current exhibit includes:
Seated Buddha, China, Sixteen Kingdoms period, 4th century
Standing Avalokitesvara, China, Northern Wei dynasty, dated 524
Seated Bodhisattva with One Leg Pendent and Four Attendants, China, Northern Qi dynasty, 6th century
Standing Buddha Triad, China, Eastern Wei dynasty, 6th century, Important Cultural Property
Ekadasamukha in a Niche, Baoqingsi temple, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hosokawa Moritatsu)
2nd floor
Large Dry Lacquer Vessel, Attributed provenance: Hui County, Henan Province, China, Warring States period, 5th–3rd century BC (Important Art Object, Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Large Dry Lacquer Vessel
2nd floor Room 2
April 10, 2018 (Tue) - March 31, 2019 (Sun)
Large Dry Lacquer Vessel, Attributed provenance: Hui County, Henan Province, China, Warring States period, 5th–3rd century BC (Important Art Object, Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Lid, With designs in inlaid glass, New Kingdom (18th dynasty), ca. 1550–1292 BC (Gift of Mr. Momose Osamu and Mrs. Momose Fumiko)
Artifacts from West Asia and Egypt
2nd floor Room 3
July 31, 2018 (Tue) - October 21, 2018 (Sun)
This part intrduces artifacts from West Asia and Egypt, known as the cradle of the earliest civilization.
Current exhibit includes:
Fragment of a Relief, Excavated in Tell el-Amarna, Egypt, New Kingdom (18th dynasty; the reign of Akhenaten), ca. 1351–1334 BC (Gift of the University of Pennsylvania)
Lid, With designs in inlaid glass, New Kingdom (18th dynasty), ca. 1550–1292 BC (Gift of Mr. Momose Osamu and Mrs. Momose Fumiko)
Oinochoe (Wine Pitcher), Excavated in Toscana or Lazio, Italy, 6th century BC (Gift of National Museum of Eastern Art, Italy)
Amphora, Excavated in Campania, Italy, 4th century BC (Gift of National Museum of Eastern Art, Italy)
Amphoriskos, Excavated in Iraq or Syria, Ca. 15th–14th century BC (Private collection)
Figurine, Late Helladic III, ca. 14th–13th century BC (Gift of Mr. Tanimura Keisuke)
Jug, Late Cypriot II, ca. 15th century BC (Gift of Mr. Michael Xilas and Mrs. Vicky Xilas
Statue of Lion-headed Goddess Sakhmet, Excavated at Thebes, Egypt, New Kingdom, 18th dynasty, 16th–14th century BC
Preaching Buddha, Kushan dynasty, 3rd century
Sculptures from India and Gandhara
2nd floor Room 3
June 26, 2018 (Tue) - June 23, 2019 (Sun)
This part mainly features Buddhist statues from Gandhara (northwestern Pakistan) and Mathura (northern, central India) from the 2nd to the 5th century. The wide variety of sculptures on display is a notable feature.
Current exhibit includes:
Seated Buddha, Kushan dynasty, 2nd–3rd century
Worship of the Bowl; Cross-legged Bodhisattvas, 3rd–4th century (Gift of Ms. Yano Tsuruko)
Preaching Buddha, Kushan dynasty, 3rd century
Fragment of Relief Sculpture: Yakshini, Kushan dynasty, 2nd–3rd century (Gift of Mr. Kato Hiroshi)
Container for Sarira (Buddhist relics), Reportedly from Subashi, ChinaOtani collection, 6th–7th century
Art of the Western Regions
2nd floor Room 3
September 11, 2018 (Tue) - November 4, 2018 (Sun)
This part introduces art of the Western Regions (Central Asia) from about the 1st to the 10th century, with a focus on Buddhist art. The highlight of this part is the rich variety of works with high artistic and historical significance.
Current exhibit includes:
Container for Sarira (Buddhist relics), Reportedly from Subashi, ChinaOtani collection, 6th–7th century
Banner with a Standing Bodhisattva, Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, ChinaPelliot collection, Tang dynasty, 9th century (Acquired through exchange with the Guimet Museum)
Banner with the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, ChinaPelliot collection, Tang dynasty, 9th century (Acquired through exchange with the Guimet Museum)
Banner with Two Standing Bodhisattvas, Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, ChinaPelliot collection, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdons period–Northern Song dynasty, 10th century (Acquired through exchange with the Guimet Museum)
Figures under a Tree, Astana Karakhoja Tombs, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Musicians, Cave 33, Bezeklik Caves, ChinaOtani collection, Gaochang Uighur period, 10th–11th century
Winged Figure, Miran, ChinaOtani collection, 3rd–4th century
3rd floor
Roof Tile, Taotie design, Warring States period (Yan state), 5th–4th century BC
The Advent of Chinese Civilization
3rd floor Room 4
June 5, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)
This section focuses on pottery and jade objects from about 3000 BC to AD 200. The items on display present the beauty that ancient Chinese people pursued in the form and color of pottery, as well as the characteristic luster of jade.
Current exhibit includes:
Oracle Bones, Excavated at Yinxu, Anyang, Henan province, China, Shang dynasty, 13th–11th century BC
Jade Axe, Neolithic period, 3rd millennium BC
Jade Bi Ornament, Dragon design, Warring States period-Western Han dynasty, 4th–2nd century BC
Roof Tile, Taotie design, Warring States period (Yan state), 5th–4th century BC
Bu Jar, Taotie design, China, Shang dynasty, 13th-11th century BC (Gift of Ms. Sakamoto Kiku)
Chinese Bronzes
3rd floor Room 5
June 26, 2018 (Tue) - November 18, 2018 (Sun)
This part focuses on Chinese bronzes from about 1800 BC to AD 1000. The changing shapes and designs of the bronzes on display provide clues to the thoughts and shifting religious beliefs of ancient Chinese.
Current exhibit includes:
Sword, China, Spring and Autumn-Warring States period, 6th-5th century BC
Bu Jar, Taotie design, China, Shang dynasty, 13th-11th century BC (Gift of Ms. Sakamoto Kiku)
Bo Bell, Coiling dragon design, China, Warring States period, 5th century BC (Gift of Ms. Sakamoto Kiku)
Vase with Dragon Handles, Three-color glaze with applied ornaments, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century Important Cultural Property, Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Burials in China
3rd floor Room 5
June 5, 2018 (Tue) - October 21, 2018 (Sun)
This part introduces burial items of tombs from about the 2nd century BC to the 8th century AD. Mingqi are models of various implements and equipment, such as cooking stoves, vehicles including carriages and oxcarts, and even toilets. Tomb figures are models of humans who served a master, such as servants and entertainers. The objects on display present the idealized lifestyle that people of this time entrusted to mingqi and tomb figures.
Current exhibit includes:
Woman, With pigment, China, Western Han dynasty, 2nd century BC (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Vase with Dragon Handles, Three-color glaze with applied ornaments, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century Important Cultural Property, Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Tomb Guardian, Three-color glaze, China, Tang dynasty, 7th-8th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Large Vase in Shape of Gourd, Design in overglaze enamel and gold, Jingdezhen ware, China, Ming dynasty, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Sakamoto Goro)
Chinese Ceramics
3rd floor Room 5
September 4, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)
This part presents the changing expressions of Chinese ceramics from the 7th to the 19th century.
Current exhibit includes:
Ewer with Phoenix Head, White porcelain, Tang dynasty, 7th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Bowl with Foliate Rim, Celadon glaze, Guan ware, China, Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Vase, Beishoku celadon glaze, Southern Song's Guan ware, China, Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century (Lent by the Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, Tokyo)
Large Dish, Lotus bouquet design in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen ware, China, Ming dynasty, 15th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Large Vase in Shape of Gourd, Design in overglaze enamel and gold, Jingdezhen ware, China, Ming dynasty, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Sakamoto Goro)
Jar, Figures on horseback design in [fahua] enamel decoration, Ming dynasty, 16th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Mr. Yamamoto Takashi)
Large Dish, Peony and phoenix design in overglaze enamel, Zhangzhou ware, China, Ming dynasty, 17th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Textile Fragment, Gauze weave with embroidery; design of a floral arabesque and children on a red ground (detail), Ming dynasty, 14th–15th century
Chinese Textiles: Embroidery
3rd floor Room 5
July 3, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 2018 (Sun)
In China, embroidery with silk thread and fabric was standard. Specific techniques, the texture of the thread, and the way color was used, however, changed over time, giving embroidery from different historical period unique qualities. While certain techniques such as the “couching stitch” (in which thread is tied down to the fabric with loops of thinner thread) and “outline stitch” (for making lines of varying thicknesses) were used through the ages, others were particular to a specific time. One such example is a technique that gives the embroidered pattern a “net-like” appearance; it was popular in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) but later fell into disuse. Another appealing quality of embroidery is the ability to create various textures as well as thick patterns with a three-dimensional appearance by combining different techniques.
This exhibition shows the beauty and variety of Chinese embroidery, displaying decorative accessories that enriched people’s lives, with a focus on embroidered works from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1369–1912).
Current exhibit includes:
Altar Cloth, Flowering plant design in needle-looped embroidery on a stitched multicolor damask ground, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Textile Fragment, Gauze weave with embroidery; design of a floral arabesque and children on a red ground, Ming dynasty, 14th–15th century
4th floor
Stone Bas-relief, Procession of chariots / Building for ancestral rituals, From Xiaotangshan, Shandong province, China, Eastern Han dynasty, 1st–2nd century
Stone Relief Carvings of China
4th floor Room 7
April 10, 2018 (Tue) - March 31, 2019 (Sun)
In the 2nd century BC, Chinese tombs were not simply holes in the ground. They developed to have walls and ceilings, with a structure almost like underground mansions. Tombs also appeared that had shrines built above ground for the bereaved families to perform rituals. Particularly in Shandong province and southern Henan province, sturdy stone was favored for making the tombs and shrines, with the stone surfaces used for carving images. Many of these stone bas-reliefs were created until the second half of the 2nd century in the Eastern Han dynasty.
Current exhibit includes:
Stone Bas-relief, Procession of chariots / Building for ancestral rituals, From Xiaotangshan, Shandong province, China, Eastern Han dynasty, 1st–2nd century
Stone Bas-relief, Toad / Emperor Yu, etc., From Xiaotangshan, Shandong province, China, Eastern Han dynasty, 1st–2nd century
Stone Bas-relief, Building / Tinglan and the wooden doll, etc., From Xiaotangshan, Shandong province, China, Eastern Han dynasty, 1st–2nd century
Hanshan and Shide, By Yintuoluo, China, Yuan dynasty, 14th century (National Treasure)
Highlights of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy
4th floor Room 8
August 28, 2018 (Tue) - October 21, 2018 (Sun)
This exhibition presents the beauty of various works of Chinese art that have been prized in Japan over the centuries.
Seal Material, With lion-shaped knob, Formerly owned by Mr. Aoyama San'u, China, Ming dynasty, 14th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji)
Chinese Literati
4th floor Room 8
August 28, 2018 (Tue) - October 21, 2018 (Sun)
The literati were people who devoted themselves to reading, calligraphy, painting, and other fine arts. In China, their way of life was traditionally held as an ideal. This exhibit recreates the studies of literati, where calligraphy and painting of China were born.
Current exhibit includes:
Square Inkstone, White-speckled stone with a design of paired dragons, Formerly owned by Mr. Aoyama San'u, China, Ming dynasty, 14th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji)
Seal Material, With lion-shaped knob, Formerly owned by Mr. Aoyama San'u, China, Ming dynasty, 14th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji)
Three Characters for a Plaque in Clerical Script, By Zhao Zhiqian, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujiro)
5th floor
Covered Vessel, Design of pavilions and figures in carved red lacquer, Ming dynasty, Yongle era (Gift of Mr. Li Keitaku)
Chinese Lacquerware
5th floor Room 9
September 4, 2018 (Tue) - November 25, 2018 (Sun)
This part introduces the various methods and designs in Chinese lacquerware. Lacquerware is a form of decorative art made by applying lacquer sap on vessels and utensils, a practice which developed widely in China, Japan, Korea, and the Southeast Asian regions, in techniques and designs unique to each area. China, in particular, has a history of lacquerware of as long as 7000 years.
Current exhibit includes:
Lacquered Boxes, Western Han dynasty, 2nd–1st century BC
Covered Vessel, Design of pavilions and figures in carved red lacquer, Ming dynasty, Yongle era (Gift of Mr. Li Keitaku)
Writing Box, Design of flowers and birds in mother-of-pearl inlay, Ming dynasty, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Stationery Stand, Design of flowers and birds in mother-of-pearl inlay, Ming dynasty, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Decorative Art of the Qing Dynasty
5th floor Room 9
September 4, 2018 (Tue) - November 25, 2018 (Sun)
This part introduces the decorative art of the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912) in China, such as works of jade, cloisonne, glass, and bamboo. The items on display feature the beauty of fine technical skill and the sophisticated atmosphere of Qing-dynasty decorative art.
Current exhibit includes:
Watch on Mount in Shape of Ruyi Scepter, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Pomegranate, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Kamiya Denbei)
Goldfish, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Kamiya Denbei)
Crown, Attributed provenance: Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Gaya), 5th century (Important Art Object, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Polished Stone Tools and Metal Tools of Korea
5th floor Room 10
April 24, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)
This part highlights Korean polished stone tools and metal objects that had a great influence on Japan's Yayoi culture.
Current exhibit includes:
Crown, Attributed provenance: Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Gaya), 5th century (Important Art Object, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Polished Stone Sickle, Excavated at Buyeo, Korea, Bronze Age, 10th-4th century BC (Gift of Mr. Sakenobu Kyokusho)
Bronze Dagger, Excavated at Ochon-ri, Pyongyang, Korea, Early Iron Age, 2nd century BC
Bronze Halberd, Attributed provenance: Ipsil-ri, Gyeongju, Korea, Proto-Three Kingdoms period, 1st century BC (Important Art Object, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Bird, Green glaze, Attributed provenance: Nangnang (Lelang) Tomb, Korea, Nangnang (Lelang), 1st-3rd century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Bronze Ornamental Fitting, With animals, Attributed provenance: Gyeongju, Korea, Early Iron Age-Proto Three Kingdoms period, 3rd-1st century BC (Important Art Object, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Lacquered Cup with Handles, With inscription, Attributed provenance: Nangnang (Lelang) Tombs, Korea, Nangnang (Lelang), 1st century BC-3rd century AD (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Epitaph of Choe Chungheon, Goryeo dynasty, dated 1219
Headgear, With design in openwork, Attributed provenance: Changnyeong, Korea, Three Kingdoms period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
The Rises and Falls of Kings in Korea
5th floor Room 10
April 24, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)
This part features the prosperity of kings in the Three Kingdoms period (4th century–676) in Korea, through works including items of metalwork. The diverse designs of the objects are evidence of the prosperity of the kings.
Current exhibit includes:
Saddle Fittings, Gilt bronze, Excavated at Yangsan Bubuchong Tomb, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Silla), start of 6th century
Earring, Three Kingdoms period (Silla), 6th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Headgear, With design in openwork, Attributed provenance: Changnyeong, Korea, Three Kingdoms period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Headdress, White-birch bark, Excavated at Yangsan Bubuchong Tomb, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Silla), start of 6th century
Flagpole Holder for SaddleIron, Excavated at Yangsan Bubuchong tomb, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Silla), start of 6th century
Long-necked Jar, Green glaze with arch band design, Attributed provenance: Jeollanam-do, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Baekje), 6th-7th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Korean Ceramics
5th floor Room 10
April 24, 2018 (Tue) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)
This part introduces Korean ceramics from the Proto–Three Kingdoms period (1st century BC–3rd century AD) to the Joseon dynasty(1392–1910).
Current exhibit includes:
Long-necked Jar, Green glaze with arch band design, Attributed provenance: Jeollanam-do, Korea, Three Kingdoms period (Baekje), 6th-7th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Cinerary Urn, With stamped design, Unified Silla dynasty, first half of 8th century
Box, Celadon glaze with arabesque design in openwork, Goryeo dynasty, 12th century
Dish, White porcelain, Joseon dynasty, 15th-16th century (Private collection)
Jar, Cloud and dragon design in underglaze iron pigment, Joseon dynasty, 17th century (Gift of Ms. Shimizu Nobuko)
Equestrian Figurine, Three Kingdoms period (Silla), 5th-6th century (Important Art Object, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Stemmed Dish, With waterfowl ornaments, Three Kingdoms period (Silla), mid-5th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Cup with Foliate Rim, Celadon glaze with flower design in inlay, Goryeo dynasty, 13th century
Mirror, Dragon, tree, and palace design, Goryeo dynasty, 10th–14th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Buddhist Art of Korea
5th floor Room 10
June 19, 2018 (Tue) - November 18, 2018 (Sun)
This part features the essence of Korean Buddhist art.
Current exhibit includes:
Flat Eave Tile, Qilin design, Excavated at Gyeongju, Korea, Unified Silla dynasty, 8th–9th century (Gift of Mr. Naito Shunpo)
Octagonal Container for Sarira (Buddhist relics), Attributed provenance: Gwangyang, Korea, Unified Silla dynasty, 8th–9th century (Important Art Object, Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Standing Vairocana, Unified Silla-Goryeo dynasty, 9th–10th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Seated Bodhisattva with One Leg Pendent, Three Kingdoms period, 7th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Standing Buddha, Unified Silla dynasty, 8th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Mirror, Dragon, tree, and palace design, Goryeo dynasty, 10th–14th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Two-tiered Bandaji (Clothing cabinet), Joseon dynasty, second half of 19th century
Art of the Joseon Dynasty
5th floor Room 10
September 19, 2018 (Wed) - December 9, 2018 (Sun)
This part features furnishings, costumes, and accessories from Korea in the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). While the costumes, furniture, tableware, and stationery each possessed individual beauty, their appeal was enhanced by their placement in living spaces.
Current exhibit includes:
Hawk and Pine, Yi Sumin, Joseon dynasty, 18th–19th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation, On exhibit from November 6, 2018)
Two-tiered Bandaji (Clothing cabinet), Joseon dynasty, second half of 19th century
Hairpin, Knife, and Glasses Case, Joseon dynasty, 19th–20th century
Serving Bowls, Joseon dynasty, 20th century, Korea (Private collection)
Basement
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Thematic Exhibition
Wayang: Indonesian Shadow-puppet Theater
Basement Room 12
September 4, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
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Archaeology of India and Southeast Asia
Basement Room 12
September 4, 2018 (Tue) -
December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Standing Lokesvara, Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th–13th century
Khmer Sculpture
Basement Room 11
May 8, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2019 (Mon)
This section introduces sculptures from Khmer, with a focus on stone statues from the Angkor period (9th-13th century). The Tokyo National Museum collection of Khmer sculptures, which are distinguished in both quality and quantity, was acquired in 1944 through an exchange project with the research institute l'École francaise d'Extrême-Orient.
Current exhibit includes:
Garuda Riding on Naga (Snake deity), Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th–13th century
Standing Vishnu, Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th century
Buddha Seated on Naga (Snake deity), Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th century
Standing Lokesvara, Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th–13th century
Lintel, Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 10th century
Standing Buddha, Dvaravati period, 7th–8th century (Not on exhibit from September 4, 2018, to January 1, 2019)
Gilt Bronze Statues from Southeast Asia
Basement Room 12
May 8, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2019 (Mon)
This part focuses on Southeast Asian gilt bronze statues of gods and Buddhist deities from the 7th to 13th century. The statues are made using the lost-wax casting process, and therefore they have common qualities in their plasticity and smoothness of form.
Current exhibit includes:
Standing Buddha, Dvaravati period, 7th–8th century (Not on exhibit from September 4, 2018, to January 1, 2019)
Buddha Seated on a Pedestal, Central Java period, ca. 8th century
Seated Mahavairocana, Central Java period, 9th–10thcentury
Standing Deity Hanuman, Angkor period, 11th century (on exhibit from January 2, 2019)
Finial for a Shaft in the Shape of Naga, Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th century (Not on exhibit from September 4, 2018, to January 1, 2019)
Standing Buddha, Polonnaruwa period, 12th–13th century (Not on exhibit from September 4, 2018, to January 1, 2019)
Shiva (Upper body), Excavated from Damdek, Cambodia, Angkor period, 9th century (Not on exhibit from September 4, 2018, to January 1, 2019)
Wayang Golek: Umarmoyo, 20th century (Gift of Mr. Taeda Tsuyoshi)
Wayang: Indonesian Shadow-puppet Theater
Basement Room 12
September 4, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)
Wayang is a form of shadow-puppet theater which uses traditional puppets of Indonesia.
Around the 10th century, the ancient Indian epic poems Mahabharata and Ramayana were introduced together with Hinduism to Indonesia, where they spread among the populace. The epics came to be performed using puppets called Wayang Kulit.
Wayang puppets are cut from water buffalo hide, carved intricately with fine chisels, and decorated in vibrant colors. The sticks for manipulating the puppets are mostly made from water buffalo horn.
The puppeteer, called a dhalang, maneuvers all the puppets in a play, delivers the lines, and even gives directions to the gamelan, an accompanying group of musicians. Although Wayang plays are based on famous epics, they are performed spontaneously through the dhalang’ s improvisations. Performances are carried out through the night.
Painted Cloth, Design of Bali genre scenes on a white ground (detail), 20th century
The Collection of Okano Shigezo: Textiles and Ceramics from Indonesia
Basement Room 12
September 4, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)
This exhibition sheds light on Indonesian textiles and ceramics collected by Okano Shigezo (1894–1975), a Japanese entrepreneur who moved to and achieved success in Indonesia’s Sumatra in the early 20th century.
The lineup of textiles includes batik and ikat from Sumatra, Java, and other areas. These textiles, rich in regional flavor, provide an overview of cultural exchange that took place in this country and the textile techniques that were brought from India to Southeast Asia, eventually to Japan. Also included are Southeast Asian ceramic wares collected by Okano as well as Chinese ceramics that were made for export to Indonesia.
Bronze Drum, Excavated in eastern Indonesia, Early Metal age, 6th–12th century
Archaeology of India and Southeast Asia
Basement Room 12
September 4, 2018 (Tue) - December 25, 2018 (Tue)
The excavated pottery and metal wares exhibited in this part clearly show the prosperity of cultures with rich regional characteristics in ancient India and Southeast Asia.
Current exhibit includes:
Bronze Drum, Attributed provenance: northern Thailand, 6th–5th century BC (Lent by Idemitsu Museum of Arts)
Bronze Drum, Northern Thailand, 15th–17th century (Gift of Prince Damrong, Thailand)
Kain Panjang (Waist garment), Design of flowers and birds in batik on a dark blue ground (detail), 20th century
Asian Textiles: Textile of Indonesia
Basement Room 13
July 3, 2018 (Tue) - September 30, 2018 (Sun)
From about the end of the 18th century, unique dyes and techniques for dyeing cotton with designs were used to begin the production of batik cloth. To make batik, a detailed design is applied in wax using either a metal stamp known as a cap, or a tool called a canting that pours the wax. The cotton is then dyed with indigo and a vegetable-based, dark brown soga dye.
Current exhibit includes:
Slendang (Shoulder garment), Design of floral checks and sawteeth in gold print on a parti-colored ground, 19th century
Kain Panjang (Waist garment), Design of flowers and birds in batik on a dark blue ground, 20th century
Slimut (Shoulder garment), Design of flowers and checks in warp ikat on an indigo ground, 19th–20th century
Slimut (Shoulder garment), Design of a floral pattern in warp ikat on a dark blue ground, Rote Island, Indonesia, 19th–20th century
Fish Incarnation of Vishnu (Matsya Avatar) (detail), By Bikaner school, First half of 18th century
Indian Miniature Paintings
Basement Room 13
September 19, 2018 (Wed) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)
Indian miniature paintings established a uniquely meticulous, colorful, and passionate style, with various painting schools. An appeal of the paintings to viewers is the abundance of elements vividly contained each picture, such as myths, music, and nature.
Current exhibit includes:
Fish Incarnation of Vishnu (Matsya Avatar), By Bikaner school, First half of 18th century
Tortoise Incarnation of Vishnu (Kurma Avatar), By Bundi school, End of 17th–early 18th century
Kris, Sulawesi, Indonesia, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Doi Fusajiro)
The Kris: A Mysterious Weapon from Indonesia
Basement Room 13
July 18, 2018 (Wed) - October 14, 2018 (Sun)
The kris is an iron knife that was widely used on the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding islands in Southeast Asia. Kris blades are either straight or wavy, and many of them have complex linear patterns created through a special technique. With their strange and distinctive appearance, kris knives were believed to contain supernatural powers, granting their male owners protection and also acting as symbols of prestige. This exhibition introduces Indonesian kris knives from the museum's collection by region, including Java and Sulawesi, as well as spears, and explores the hidden meanings and wishes imbued in these weapons.
Current exhibit includes:
Kris, Eastern Java, Indonesia, 17th–18th century (Gift of Mr. J. C. Bijleveld)
Kris, Sulawesi, Indonesia, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Doi Fusajiro)
Spear, Kalimantan, Indonesia, 19th–early 20th century