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Madonna of the Thumb and Christian Objects in Japan

  • Image of "Madonna (Madonna of the Thumb) (detail), Formerly owned by Nagasaki Magistrate Office, Italy, late 17th century (Important Cultural Property)"

    Madonna (Madonna of the Thumb) (detail), Formerly owned by Nagasaki Magistrate Office, Italy, late 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room T2
    December 5, 2017 (Tue) - December 25, 2017 (Mon)

    Christmas is a held annually on December 25 to celebrate the birth of Christ. Mary, who is referred to as the Madonna in art, together with her son, Christ, are both worshipped extensively in Christianity.

    This thematic exhibition will display Madonna of the Thumb, an image brought to Japan by the Giovanni Battista Sidotti (1667–1714), together with other objects related to this extraordinary Italian missionary, as well as images of saints and those portraying the Madonna and Child.

    We hope that this exhibition, held during the Christmas season, will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Christian faith in 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.
Madonna and Child, 19th century
Head of Giovanni Battista Sidotti (Recreation), Created in 2016 (Lent by the Bunkyo City Board of Education)
Tidings of the West (Handwritten copy), By Arai Hakuseki, Edo period, dated 1821 (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi)
Madonna (Madonna of the Thumb), Formerly owned by Nagasaki Magistrate Office, Italy, late 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Exhibitions