The Prayers of the Ainu and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu
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Talisman
Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
March 18, 2025 (Tue) - June 8, 2025 (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 a range of spiritual and ritualistic objects, including libation sticks and accessories such as necklaces which were worn during rituals.
Representing a culture from the south, decorative art objects from the Ryukyu Kingdom — mainly bead accessories that female shamans wore, as well as 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 | Ritual Crown | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27904 | On exhibit through April 20, 2025 | ||
| Highlight | Ritual Crown | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27902 | On exhibit from April 22, 2025 | ||
| Sea Turtle Skull | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | K-25746 | On exhibit from April 22, 2025 | |||
| Highlight | Talisman | Sakhalin Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28101 | |||
| Highlight | Bear Cub Earrings for a Sacrificial Ceremony | Sakhalin Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28106 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Bead Necklace | Amami Oshima Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko, K-39053 | |||
| Highlight | Robe with Chrysanthemums, Autumn Leaves, and Clouds | Yaeyama Islands | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28479 | On exhibit through April 20, 2025 | ||
| Highlight | Robe with Peonies and Phoenixes | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | I-3487 | On exhibit from April 22, 2025 |