A Special Zoo in the Museum: Metal-Made Animals

White Bear
By Tsuda Shinobu, Shōwa era, 1944 (Gift of the Second Bureau of Demobilization)

Upcoming
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
July 8, 2025 (Tue) - August 24, 2025 (Sun)

This exhibition presents animal-themed objects made of various metals using a range of metalworking techniques. In this special “zoo,” you can feel more familiar with and deepen your understanding of metalwork objects that are around us.

Metalwork objects are generally hard and heavy, and may carry a “cold” impression, but they can also express supple textures and possess a light-hearted feel. Through this exhibition featuring animal-themed objects which their creators must have seen with their warm gaze, we hope that you can draw more attention to the potentials and creativity of metalworking. You might also be able to cool off surrounded by these metal-made animals despite the summer heat.

List of Exhibits

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

Water Dropper Shaped Like a Long-Eared Hare, Edo period, 18th–19th century (Gift of Mr. Watanabe Toyotarō and Mr. Watanabe Masayuki)

Incense Burner Shaped Like a Buffalo, Edo period, 17th century

White Bear, By Tsuda Shinobu, Shōwa era, 1944 (Gift of the Second Bureau of Demobilization)

Cat, By Suga Shōen II, Shōwa era, 20th century

Crab-Shaped Water Dropper, Edo period, 19th century

Incense Burner with Lion Knob and Handles, By Katori Hotsuma, Taishō–Shōwa era, 20th century (Gift of the artist)

Octofoil Mirror with Auspicious Flowers and a Bird-Shaped Knob, Heian period, 11th–12th century

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

This pamphlet is also available at the information desk in the Honkan during the exhibition period.
PDF（1.02MB）

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