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.

Exquisite Flowers from the Realm of Immortals
By Itō Jakuchū
Edo period, 1768

The Kyoto painter Jakuchū (1716–1800) used an unusual technique for this work. He carved blocks of wood, placed wet paper over the blocks, and applied ink to the paper. The paper over the carved, indented areas remained white, creating a vivid contrast with the ink. The title of this work, Exquisite Flowers from the Realm of Immortals, refers to the unearthly beauty of the plants and insects depicted. Their crisp, idealized forms have a timeless appeal