Daily Tools of the Ainu and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu
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Smoking Set
Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
September 2, 2025 (Tue) - November 16, 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 the lives of the Ainu people. The current lineup includes tools that the Ainu people used daily for subsistence activities, such as hunting, fishing, foraging, and cooking.
Representing a southern culture, decorative art objects—textiles and lacquerware—from the Ryukyu Kingdom 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 | Smoking Set | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27766 | |||
| Highlight | Apron | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu, K-38346 | On exhibit from October 15, 2025 | ||
| Highlight | Tray | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27935 | |||
| Coat | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | K-38654 | On exhibit through October 13, 2025 | |||
| Highlight | Coat | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-27882 | On exhibit through October 13, 2025 | ||
| Highlight | Water Pitcher with a Handle | Okinawa Main Island; Tsuboya ware | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, late 18th–19th century | K-25949 | On exhibit through October 13, 2025 | ||
| Highlight | Portable Tea Container | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | H-3575 | On exhibit from October 15, 2025 |