Future National Treasures: Masterpieces of Painting and Calligraphy from the Museum Collection

Tokyo National Museum is celebrating its 150th anniversary. During its long history, the Museum accumulated an extensive collection, including many artworks of great artistic or historical value. Not all these works, however, are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. From among these works, our curators have selected what they consider "Future National Treasures" for display in this gallery in 2022.

Garment as a Memento
By Kawamura Kiyo’o
Meiji era, 1899–1911

Kawamura Kiyo’o (1852–1934) was a pioneer of Japanese oil painting. He created this powerful work to mourn the passing of his benefactor, Katsu Kaishū (1923–89). Kawamura has filled the painting with articles cherished by Katsu. The formal white garment, called a hitatare, is similar to the one worn by Kawamura when he carried Katsu’s coffin.