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Prayer in Asia

  • Image of "Mask, Attributed to New Ireland, Melanesia, Late 19th century (Gift of Mr. Yoshijima Tokiyasu)"

    Mask, Attributed to New Ireland, Melanesia, Late 19th century (Gift of Mr. Yoshijima Tokiyasu)

    Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
    September 5, 2017 (Tue) - October 15, 2017 (Sun)

    Asian art includes works with auspicious designs that were made to embody wishes for wealth and good health while warding off evil. Other works are associated with magic rituals, superstitions, and folk beliefs.

    Praying for happiness can take on various forms: people can simply pray for their own, or their families' happiness; or, assuming that something ominous–such as an evil spirit–exists, they can attempt to achieve happiness by repelling it. Some even believe that they may be saved by reducing others to despair.

    Through relevant works, this exhibition invites visitors to look at various beliefs and customs in Asia, including Japan.

 Major works in this exhibition
* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 Major works in this exhibition
* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
Coin Sword, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of the Hokkaido Administration Office)
Kava Bowl, Fiji Islands, Melanesia, 19th century
Rencong, 19th–early 20th century (Gift of Mr. Muhammad Hasan)
Mask, Attributed to New Ireland, Melanesia, Late 19th century (Gift of Mr. Yoshijima Tokiyasu)

Related Event

   MYSTICAL ASIA at the Tokyo National Museum　September 5, 2017 (Tue) - October 15, 2017 (Sun)
   Come and see mysterious objects from across Asia that were attributed with magical powers such as bringing good fortune and warding off evil spirits.
Exhibitions