Ainu Designs and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu
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Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
January 16, 2024 (Tue) - April 7, 2024 (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 traditional Ainu designs. Exhibits include the Ainu people’s clothing, tableware, and various tools that feature a range of Ainu designs, a distinctive example of which is a whirl pattern.
Representing a southern culture, decorative art objects from the Ryukyu Kingdom—mainly lacquerware 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 | Hood | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition, K-25666 | On exhibit from February 27, 2024 | ||
| Highlight | Apron | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu, K-38345 | On exhibit through February 25, 2024 | ||
| Highlight | Tray | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27935 | |||
| Highlight | Coat | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27881 | On exhibit from February 27, 2024 | ||
| Highlight | Portable Tea Container | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | H-3575 | On exhibit through February 25, 2024 | ||
| Highlight | Robe with Flowing Water, Flowers, Birds, and Shells | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | I-3485 | On exhibit from February 27, 2024 |