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Commemorating the Registration of "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region" as World Heritage; Thematic Exhibition: Christian Articles in Japan

  • Image of "Madonna and Child, Formerly held by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)"

    Madonna and Child, Formerly held by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room T2
    October 10, 2018 (Wed) - December 2, 2018 (Sun)

    "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region," registered in July of this year as World Heritage, comprise 11 locations in Nagasaki prefecture and one location in Kumamoto prefecture where the Christian faith has been passed down for centuries.

    The collections of the Tokyo National Museum include articles that were confiscated from Christians by the Nagasaki Magistrate’s Office as well as fumie and other objects used in the persecution of Christianity. All of these items are of immense value as they reflect that how Christianity was introduced into Japan in the 16th century, gained a following among the local population, and, despite centuries of persecution, continued to be passed down through the generations, mainly in Nagasaki.

    On this occasion, books about Japan published in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries are also on display.

    We hope this exhibition will provide an opportunity to think about the countless individuals who pursued their faith in Japan despite unforgiving circumstances.

 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, Formerly held by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Christ, Formerly held by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Fumie (Image to trample on): Christ (Pieta), Formerly held by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Book on Japan, By Arnoldus Montanus; published in Amsterdam, Dated 1669
Exhibitions