Man, God & Nature in the Ancient World: Masterpieces from The Al Thani Collection
Toyokan Room 3
November 6, 2019 (Wed) -
February 9, 2020 (Sun)
November 12, 2019 (Tue), Asian Gallery (Toyokan)
The galleries feature art and artifacts from regions including China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, India, and Egypt.
Toyokan
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Special Exhibitions
Head of a Royal Figure, Red jasper, c. 1473-1292 BC, Egypt
Man, God & Nature in the Ancient World: Masterpieces from The Al Thani Collection
Toyokan Room 3
November 6, 2019 (Wed) - February 9, 2020 (Sun)
How did people of ancient civilizations conceive and depict themselves, their gods, and the natural world? The artworks they produced reflect their beliefs and world views, providing us with insights into this question.
This exhibition presents 117 masterpieces from the collection assembled by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, a prince of the royal family of Qatar. Ancient civilizations across the world produced these magnificent artworks, which will be presented under the themes of “man,” “god,” and “nature.”
1st floor
Standing Avalokitesvara, China, Northern Wei dynasty, dated 524
Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
1st floor Room 1
April 9, 2019 (Tue) - April 12, 2020 (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.
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 2, 2019 (Tue) - March 15, 2020 (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)
3rd floor
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Art of the Western Regions
3rd floor Room 5
October 22, 2019 (Tue) -
November 24, 2019 (Sun)
Painted Pottery Jar with a Handle, Excavated in Gansu or Qinghai province, China, Majiayao culture, ca. 2,600–2,300 BC (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
The Advent of Chinese Civilization
3rd floor Room 4
October 8, 2019 (Tue) - February 9, 2020 (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:
Painted Pottery Jar with a Handle, Excavated in Gansu or Qinghai province, China, Majiayao culture, ca. 2,600–2,300 BC (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Bells, China, Warring States period, 5th–3rd century BC
Jar with a Hunting Scene, China, Western Han–Eastern Han dynasty, 1st century BC–1st century AD (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Blade Arrowheads, Excavated from Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, Neolithic period, ca. 7th-3rd millennium BC (Gift of Mr. Morita Toshiro)
Stone Spearhead, Excavated at Nanshanli, Lushunkou, Dalian city, Liaoning province, China, Neolithic period-Bronze Age, 2nd millennium BC (Gift of Ms. Sone Toshiko)
Jade Axe, China, Neolithic period, 3rd millennium BC
Roof Tile with an Animal Mask (Taotie), China, Warring States period (the state of Yan), 5th–4th century BC
Gang Jie Zun Wine Vessel, Western Zhou dynasty, 11th–10th century BC
Chinese Bronzes
3rd floor Room 5
July 17, 2019 (Wed) - November 17, 2019 (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, Spring and Autumn-Warring States period, 6th–5th century BC
Money Tree, Excavated in Sichuan province or its vicinity, China, Eastern Han dynasty, 1st–2nd century
Gang Jie Zun Wine Vessel, Western Zhou dynasty, 11th–10th century BC
Bu Jar, Taotie design, Shang dynasty, 13th–11th century BC (Gift of Ms. Sakamoto Kiku)
Bo Bell, Coiling dragon design, Warring States period, 5th century BC (Gift of Ms. Sakamoto Kiku)
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)
Camel, China, Northern Wei dynasty, 6th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Burials in China
3rd floor Room 5
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - March 1, 2020 (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:
Tomb Guardian Animal, With pigment, China, Western Jin dynasty, 3rd–4th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Dish with a Lotus Flower, China, Southern Dynasties, 5th–6th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Round Jar, China, Sui dynasty–Tang dynasty, 7th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Camel, China, Northern Wei dynasty, 6th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Rabbit, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Tomb Guardian, Three-color glaze, China, Tang dynasty, 7th–8th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Bowl, White porcelain with crane and cloud design in gold, Ding ware, China, Attributed provenance: Korea, Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Inoue Tsuneichi and Mrs. Inoue Fumiko)
Chinese Ceramics
3rd floor Room 5
July 17, 2019 (Wed) - November 17, 2019 (Sun)
This part presents the changing expressions of Chinese ceramics from the 7th to the 19th century.
Current exhibit includes:
Bowl, White porcelain with crane and cloud design in gold, Ding ware, China, Attributed provenance: Korea, Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Inoue Tsuneichi and Mrs. Inoue Fumiko)
Dish, Celadon glaze, Ru ware, China, Formerly owned by Kawabata Yasunari, Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century (Gift of Mr. Katori Kuniomi and Mrs. Katori Yoshiko)
Bowl, Transparent glaze on white slip with peony design, Cizhou ware, China, Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Pillow, Design of deer carved through white slip, Cizhou ware, China, Northern Song dynasty, 11th century (Gift of Mr. Iida Taichi)
Vase, Transparent glaze on white slip with peony design in iron pigment, Cizhou ware, China, Northern Song-Jin dynasty, 12th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Ms. Yamada Setsuko)
Dish, Plum tree design in famille rose enamel, Jingdezhen ware, China, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng era (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Bowls, Roundel design in famille rose enamel, Jingdezhen ware, China, Qing dynasty, Daoguang era (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Textile from Attire for Chinese Official with Dragons among Clouds (detail), Passed down by the Maeda clan, China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century
Chinese Textiles: Prized Textiles Passed Down by the Maeda Clan
3rd floor Room 5
September 3, 2019 (Tue) - November 24, 2019 (Sun)
This gallery features luxury textiles imported from China that were made using techniques not yet found in Japanese textiles, such as gold brocade and damask. These fabrics, called "prized textiles" (meibutsu gire), were treasured by Japanese tea masters and were used for wrapping valuable tea wares or as mounting fabric for calligraphy and other artwork. The Museum was gifted over eighty "prized textiles" by the Maeda clan, which ruled over the prosperous Kaga Domain.
Current exhibit includes:
Textile with Dragon Squares, Passed down by the Maeda clan, China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century
Textile from Attire for Chinese Official with Dragons among Clouds, Passed down by the Maeda clan, China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century
Textile with Multicolor Stripes, Named "Funakoshi's Striped Cloth", Passed down by the Maeda clan, China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century
Figures under a Tree (detail), Astana Karakhoja Tombs, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Art of the Western Regions
3rd floor Room 5
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - November 24, 2019 (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:
Figures under a Tree, Astana Karakhoja Tombs, China, Tang dynasty, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
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 2, 2019 (Tue) - April 5, 2020 (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.
Buddhist Teachings For Muin Genkai (detail), By Feng Zizhen, Yuan dynasty, 14th century (National Treasure, Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Naoaki)
A Brief History of Japanese Devotion to Chinese Art
4th floor Room 8
October 29, 2019 (Tue) - December 25, 2019 (Wed)
Chinese painting and calligraphy inspired and served as models for Japanese artists. During the Kamakura (1192–1333) and Muromachi (1392–1573) periods, Japanese monks, samurai and even the court gradually embraced Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
Here we display works from those collections, which remain the subject of Japanese devotion to this day.
Rectangular Inkstone (detail), Formerly owned by Aoyama San'u, Qing dynasty, 17th–19th century (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji)
Chinese Literati
4th floor Room 8
October 29, 2019 (Tue) - December 25, 2019 (Wed)
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:
Rectangular Inkstone, Formerly owned by Aoyama San'u, Qing dynasty, 17th–19th century (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji)
Three Characters for a Plaque in Clerical Script, By Zhao Zhiqian, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujiro)
5th floor
Boxes, Lacquer coating, Western Han dynasty, 2nd–1st century BC
Chinese Lacquerware
5th floor Room 9
October 29, 2019 (Tue) - January 19, 2020 (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:
Boxes, Lacquer coating, Western Han dynasty, 2nd–1st century BC
Box with a Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Tree, Lacquer coating inlaid with lacquer, Ming dynasty, Xuande era (1426–35)
Rectangular Tray with Dragons, Lacquer coating inlaid with lacquer and gold, Ming dynasty, 1585 (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Foliate Box, Lacquered wood, Yuan dynasty, 14th century
Pomegranate, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Kamiya Denbei)
Decorative Art of the Qing Dynasty
5th floor Room 9
October 29, 2019 (Tue) - January 19, 2020 (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:
Candlesticks, Qing dynasty, Qianlong era (1736–95)
Pomegranate, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Kamiya Denbei)
Model of a Cooking Stove, Reportedly found at Nangnang (Lelang) Tomb, Korea, Nangnang (Lelang), 1st-3rd century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Polished Stone Tools and Metal Tools of Korea
5th floor Room 10
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - April 19, 2020 (Sun)
This part highlights Korean polished stone tools and metal objects that had a great influence on Japan's Yayoi culture.
Visored Helmet, Reportedly found at Yeonsan-dong, Dongnae, Korea, Three Kingdoms period, 5th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
The Rises and Falls of Kings in Korea
5th floor Room 10
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - April 19, 2020 (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.
Dish with Pointed Foliate Rim and Stylized Tortoiseshell Design, Korea, Joseon dynasty, dated 1839 (Gift of Mr. Mayuyama Junkichi)
Korean Ceramics
5th floor Room 10
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - April 19, 2020 (Sun)
This part introduces Korean ceramics from the Proto–Three Kingdoms period (1st century BC–3rd century AD) to the Joseon dynasty(1392–1910).
Ewer and Bowl, Reportedly found at Yeonbaek, Korea, Goryeo dynasty, 11th–12th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Buddhist Art of Korea
5th floor Room 10
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - April 12, 2020 (Sun)
This part features the essence of Korean Buddhist art.
Brush Stand, Joseon dynasty, 19th–20th century
Art of the Joseon Dynasty
5th floor Room 10
November 12, 2019 (Tue) - February 2, 2020 (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:
Album of Bamboo Painting, By Sumun, Joseon dynasty, dated 1424 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Cat, Attributed to Mao Yi, Joseon dynasty, 17th century
Brush Stand, Joseon dynasty, 19th–20th century
Water Dropper, Landscape in underglaze blue, Joseon dynasty, 18th century (Gift of Mr. Tsukagoshi Masaaki)
Box with Peony Vines, Joseon dynasty, 17th century (Gift of Mrs. Yamamoto Haruko)
Basement
Lintel (detail), Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 10th century
Khmer Sculpture
Basement Room 11
May 8, 2019 (Wed) - May 10, 2020 (Sun)
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.
Finial for a Shaft in the Shape of Naga, Acquired through exchange with l'École française d'Extrême-Orient, Angkor period, 12th century
Gilt Bronze Statues from Southeast Asia
Basement Room 12
May 8, 2019 (Wed) - May 10, 2020 (Sun)
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.
Human-shaped Object, Attributed provenance: Uttar Pradesh, India, Copper Hoard culture, ca. 1500 BC
Archaeology of India and Southeast Asia
Basement Room 12
April 23, 2019 (Tue) - April 19, 2020 (Sun)
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.
Birds and animals in kinma filled-in lacquer, Thailand, 17th–18th century
Southeast Asian Ceramics
Basement Room 12
September 3, 2019 (Tue) - January 5, 2020 (Sun)
This part introduces the individual styles of ceramics made in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam from the 9th to the 16th century.
Current exhibit includes:
Imaginary animals in kinma filled-in lacquer, 17th–18th century
Birds and animals in kinma filled-in lacquer, Thailand, 17th–18th century
Covered Box, Lotus petal design in underglaze brown, 15th–16th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)
Shallow Bowl with Pointed Foliate Rim, Celadon glaze with lotus flower design, Si Satchanalai ware, Thailand, 15th century (Gift of Mr. Yamada Yoshio)
Dish, Celadon glaze, Si Satchanalai ware, Thailand, 15th–16th century (Gift of Mr. Yoshida Sakuya)
Bowl, Arabesque design in overglaze enamel, Formerly owned by Okano Shigezo, 16th century (Important Art Object)
Dish with Foliated Rim, Grass and flower design in overglaze enamel, 16th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Ms. Saito Michi)
Large Dish, Deer and landscape design in underglaze blue, 15th–16th century (Important Art Object)
Cashmere Shawl, Tapestry weave and patchwork; paisley design on red ground (detail), Kashmir, India, 18th century
Asian Textiles: Cashmere Shawls
Basement Room 13
September 3, 2019 (Tue) - November 24, 2019 (Sun)
The Kashmir goat, which lives in the Kashmir region of northeastern India, has wool of lustrous soft hairs, Cashmere shawls feature this high-quality wool dyed in various colors and with detailed designs achieved through hand-woven brocade and embroidery. From the 16th to the 18th century, these shawls were produced in great quantity. They were immensely popular particularly in Europe, so many shawls were exported there through the East India Company. The shawls were also used to make dress and gowns. In the portraits of European aristocrats from this time, women are frequently depicted wearing a cashmere shawl, an item that was highly sought after. After the Industrial Revolution, a woolen fabric was produced in Paisley, Scotland, in imitation of the cashmere shawl. It was adored throughout Europe to the extent that the traditional kalka motif used in India textiles was named "paisley."
Current exhibit includes:
Sash with Flowering Plants and Vines, Iran, Safavid dynasty, 17th century
Shawl with Paisley Cones, Kashmir, India, 18th century
Wall Hanging with Trees and Parrots, Kerman, Iran, 18th–19th century
Shawl with Paisley Cones and Floral Pattern, Kashmir, India, 19th century
Raja Yudhisthira and Bhishma in Conversation (Razmnama) (detail), By Fatthu, the Mughal school, India, Dated 1601
Indian Miniature Paintings
Basement Room 13
October 22, 2019 (Tue) - November 17, 2019 (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:
Folio from a Razmnama Manuscript, By the Mughal school, India, End of 16th century
Raja Yudhisthira and Bhishma in Conversation (Razmnama), By Fatthu, the Mughal school, India, Dated 1601
Conversation with Kunti (Bhagavata Purana), By the early Rajput school, India, Ca. mid-16th century