New Year's Celebration at the Tokyo National Museum Sensational Snakes from Japan and Beyond

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Articulated Snake, By Muneyoshi, Shōwa era, 20th century

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Rooms T1 & T2
January 2, 2025 (Thu) - January 26, 2025 (Sun)

Happy New Year! 2025 is the Year of the Snake, the sixth symbol in the Japanese zodiac. Snakes are familiar to many people around the world, yet their wide mouths and slithering movements can still surprise us.

Since ancient times, these creatures have been associated with mysterious powers due to their ability to shed their skin and, in some cases, their venomous bite. This exhibition showcases depictions of snakes from various times and places, revealing the diverse qualities people have found in them — beauty, power, fascination, and even cuteness.

List of Exhibits

Major works in this exhibition

The Buddha Seated on a Nāga
Found in Lopburi, Thailand, Angkor period, 12th–13th century

Ancestor Spirit
20th century

Articulated Snake
By Muneyoshi, Shōwa era, 20th century

Snake Figurine
Iron age, ca. 1,000 BC

The Snake General, One of the Twelve Divine Generals
Passed down at Jōruriji Temple, Kyoto, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)