The Great Kantō Earthquake and the Tokyo National Museum

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Tomb Sculpture (Haniwa): Horse, Found in Isesaki City, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room T2
July 11, 2023 (Tue) - September 3, 2023 (Sun)

The Great Kantō Earthquake struck Tokyo one hundred years ago in 1923, leaving a scar on Japan’s history. The earthquake also severely damaged the Tokyo Imperial Museum, the precursor to the Tokyo National Museum, heralding a turning point in the Museum’s history. This exhibition explores the extent of the damage and traces the Museum’s recovery following this unprecedented disaster.

List of Exhibits

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Plans for Temporary Buildings in Ueno Park, Taishō era, early 20th century

Tomb Sculpture (Haniwa): Horse, Found in Isesaki City, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century

Many-Jeweled Pagoda, By Kazariya Hachigorō, Edo period, 19th century

Flower Vase with Peony Vines, Longquan ware, China, Yuan dynasty, 13th–14th century (Gift of the Maritime Shipping Company Tatsuuma Shokai)

Spiral-Wrapped Sword Mounting (Hirumaki no Tachi; Copy), Original: National Treasure owned by Niutsuhime Shrine, Wakayama, Shōwa era, 1937; original: Heian period, 12th century

Pamphlet