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Culture of the Korean Peninsula in Japan

  • Image of "Buddha with Two AttendantsKorean Peninsula, Hōryūji Treasures, Three Kingdoms period, 6th–7th century, Korea (Important Cultural Property)"

    Buddha with Two Attendants
    Korean Peninsula, Hōryūji Treasures, Three Kingdoms period, 6th–7th century, Korea (Important Cultural Property)

    Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 9
    September 23, 2025 (Tue) - December 21, 2025 (Sun)

    Japan and the countries on the Korean Peninsula have shared a long history of exchange that dates back to prehistoric times. Objects featured in this exhibition include Buddhist statues that are symbolic of the initial period when Buddhism was first introduced to Japan via the Korean Peninsula and Korean tea bowls commissioned by Japanese individuals. Also included is a sutra box that was passed down at a temple built by a samurai lord in western Japan who actively engaged in trade with the Korean Peninsula.

        We hope that this exhibition will provide an opportunity for you to acknowledge that people of Japan have carefully preserved cultural properties that originated in the Korean Peninsula and that they have nurtured Japanese culture while taking in elements of Korean culture.

Major works in this exhibition

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

Buddha with Two Attendants Korean Peninsula, Hōryūji Treasures, Three Kingdoms period, 6th–7th century, Korea (Important Cultural Property)

Incense Burner with a Handle in the Shape of Magpie's Tail Korean Peninsula or Japan, Hōryūji Treasures, Three Kingdoms period, Korea, or Asuka period, Japan, 6th–7th century (National Treasure)

Volume 16 of the "Avataṃsaka Sūtra" Korean Peninsula, Goryeo–Joseon dynasty, 14th–15th century (On exhibit through November 3, 2025)

Sutra Box with Chrysanthemums Korean Peninsula, Goryeo dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Tea Bowl, Named "Fukujusō (Amur Adonis)" South Gyeongsang Province, Korea, Joseon dynasty, 17th century (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)