The Prayers of the Ainu and Decorative Art Objects of Ryukyu
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Sea Turtle Skull
Hokkaido Ainu, 19th centuryUpcomingJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
February 17, 2026 (Tue) - May 10, 2026 (Sun)Stretching from north to south, the Japanese archipelago is home to diverse cultures that haveflourished in its rich natural environments. Representing such cultures from northern Japan, thisgallery sheds light on forms of prayer among the Ainu people. Exhibits consist of a range of spiritualand ritualistic objects, including libation sticks and accessories such as necklaces which were wornduring rituals.
Representing a culture from the south, decorative art objects from the Ryukyu Kingdom —musical instruments 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 | ||
| Ritual Box | Hokkaido Ainu (Sōya) | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, H-3663 | On exhibit through March 22, 2026 | |||
| Ritual Box | By Hokkaido Ainu (Akkeshi) | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, H-3664 | On exhibit from March 24, 2026 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Crown | Sakhalin Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28102 | On exhibit from March 24, 2026 | ||
| Highlight | Sea Turtle Skull | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | K-25746 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Smoking Pipe | Hokkaido Ainu | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28074 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Hoe-Shaped Crest | Hokkaido Ainu, Found in Kuriyama Town, Hokkaido | 19th century | Gift of Mr. Oda Katsukichi and Mr. Izumi Rintarō, K-27529-1 | |||
| Highlight | Fiddle (Kokyū) | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | H-3589 | On exhibit from March 24, 2026 | ||
| Highlight | Robe with Linked Diamonds and Small Flowers | Okinawa Main Island | Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century | I-2829 | On exhibit through March 22, 2026 |