Ainu Designs and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu
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Earrings, Hokkaido Ainu (Abuta), 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
April 9, 2024 (Tue) - July 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 textiles and daily tools—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 | Box | Sakhalin Nivkh | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28614 | On exhibit through May 19, 2024 | ||
| Highlight | Hat | Ethnic group unknown | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Katayama Naoto, K-27386 | On exhibit through May 19, 2024 | ||
| Highlight | Tray | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27975 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Hoe-Shaped Crest | Hokkaido Ainu, Found in Kuriyama Town, Hokkaido | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintarō, K-27529-2 | |||
| Highlight | Liquor Vessel | Ryukyu | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | K-25959 |