Jump to content
Font Size：

Language

The Virgin Mary and the Faith of Japan's "Hidden Christians"

  • Image of "Madonna of the ThumbItaly, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)"

    Madonna of the Thumb
    Italy, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

    Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
    November 28, 2023 (Tue) - December 24, 2023 (Sun)

    Christianity was brought to Japan from Europe in the 16th century, and the Christian community gradually grew, mainly in western Japan. When the ban on Christianity was issued in the Edo period (1603–1868), the Japanese known as the "Hidden Christians" secretly kept their faith despite persecution by the shogun's government.

    The Tokyo National Museum Collection includes Christian items, such as rosary beads, crosses, medals, and other objects related to the Virgin Mary. This exhibition examines the reception of Christianity in Japan and explores how the hidden Christians pursued their faith despite the unforgiving circumstances.

    List of Exhibits

Major works in this exhibition

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

Three Saints, Europe, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Madonna of the Thumb, Italy, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Fumi-e (Image to Trample On): Madonna and Child (Madonna of the Rosary), By Hagiwara Yūsuke, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, Edo period, 1669 (Important Cultural Property)

Fumi-e (Image to Trample On): Christ (Pieta), Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

The Bodhisattva Kannon as the Virgin Mary, Dehua ware, China, China, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office (seized in 1856), Ming–Qing dynasty, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Rosary, Europe, Previously owned by the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office (seized in Urakami), 19th century (Important Cultural Property)

 

Exhibitions