The Lives of the Ainu and Decorative Arts of Ryukyu
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Octagonal Jar with a Pavilion and Figures, Okinawa Main Island, Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 17th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
January 31, 2023 (Tue) - May 7, 2023 (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 is currently displaying tools that the Ainu people used daily for subsistence activities, such as hunting, fishing, and weaving.
Representing a southern culture, decorative art objects from the Ryukyu Kingdom—mainly ceramics relating to funerary rites 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 | Tray | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27936 | |||
| Highlight | Necklace | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27706 | |||
| Highlight | Smoking Set | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27771 | |||
| Highlight | Spatula | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27749 | |||
| Highlight | Tray with Dragons | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 18th–19th century | H-4484 | On exhibit through March 12, 2023 | ||
| Highlight | Basins with Grapes and Squirrels | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 17th century | H-4266 | On exhibit from March 14, 2023 |