The Prayers of the Ainu and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu
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Rings, Okinawa Main Island, Second Shō dynasty, Ryūkyū kingdom, 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
August 23, 2022 (Tue) - November 13, 2022 (Sun)Stretching from north to south, the Japanese archipelago is home to diverse cultures that have flourished in its rich natural environments. Representing such cultures from northern Japan, this gallery sheds light on forms of prayer among the Ainu people. Exhibits consist of spiritual and ritualistic objects, including ritual spatulas, accessories such as crowns and necklaces, and a range of tools used for bear sacrifice ceremonies.
Representing a southern culture, decorative art objects from the Ryukyu Kingdom—mainly metalwork objects and textiles—are also on display in this gallery. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed its unique culture through trade with regions in Asia including China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Necklace | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | K-26123 | |||
| Highlight | Figurine | Sakhalin Uilta | 19th century | Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu, K-38361 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Smoking Pipe | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28074 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Hoe-Shaped Crest | Hokkaido Ainu, Found in Kuriyama Town, Hokkaido | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintarō, K-27529-3 | |||
| Coat | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | K-38654 | On exhibit through October 2, 2022 | |||
| Highlight | Rings | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | TE-446 | |||
| Highlight | Robe with Chrysanthemums, Autumn Leaves, and Clouds | Yaeyama Islands | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28479 |