The Virgin Mary and the Faith of Japan's "Hidden Christians"
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Madonna of the Thumb
Italy, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
November 28, 2023 (Tue) - December 24, 2023 (Sun)The Tokyo National Museum Collection includes Christian items, such as rosary beads, crosses, medals, and other objects related to the Virgin Mary. This exhibition examines the reception of Christianity in Japan and explores how the hidden Christians pursued their faith despite the unforgiving circumstances.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Three Saints | Europe, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office | 16th–17th century | C-691 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Madonna of the Thumb | Italy, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office | 17th century | C-698 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | "Fumi-e" (Image to Trample On): Madonna and Child (Madonna of the Rosary) | By Hagiwara Yūsuke, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office | Edo period, 1669 | C-719 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | "Fumi-e" (Image to Trample On): Christ (Pieta) | Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office | Edo period, 17th century | C-717 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Kannon as the Virgin Mary | Dehua ware, China, China, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office (seized in 1856) | Ming–Qing dynasty, 17th century | C-600 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Rosary | Europe, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office (seized in Urakami) | 19th century | C-842 |