Tokyo National Museum - Past Events
Below is a list of all past events for Tokyo National Museum. Current and upcoming events, as well as other details, are available on the venue's page.
Special Exhibition "Masks and Costume for the Noh Play 'Miidera'"
[0] 
[0]- Media: Fashion - Crafts
- 2008-08-05 - 2008-09-21
Miidera temple, also known as Onjoji, is located in Omi province (Shiga prefecture) by Lake Biwa, and was famous for the sound of its bell. In the Edo period (1603-1868) the "Evening Bell from the Temple (...)
Special Exhibition "Disasters - Tokyo National Museum and Earthquakes"
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Photography - Other
- 2008-08-05 - 2008-09-15
On September 1, 1923 (Taisho 12), at 11:58 in the morning, a huge earthquake hit the Kanto region. With its epicenter at Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, this was the Great Kanto Earthquake. It was around (...)
"Temple Tresures of Buddhist Sculpture from Rokuharamitsuji, Kyoto" Exhibition
[0] [1]- Media: Sculpture
- 2008-07-10 - 2008-09-21
Rokuharamitsuji, originally named Saikoji, was founded by the priest Kuya Shonin outside the capital of Kyoto (present Higashiyamaku of Kyoto city) in the mid-10th century during the Heian period (794-1192). (...)
"Two Statues of Dainichi Nyorai and Unkei Style Sculpture" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Sculpture
- 2008-07-10 - 2008-09-21
Unkei, active from the late Heian (794-1192) to the early Kamakura (1192-1333) periods, is one of the most important Buddhist sculptors in the history of Japanese sculpture. He belonged to the group of (...)
"The Ichikawa Beian Collection" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Calligraphy - Other
- 2008-07-08 - 2008-09-07
As well as being famous as one of the Three Distinguished Calligraphers of the Late Edo Period and being a calligraphy teacher with many students, Ichikawa Beian (1779-1858) was also an avid collector (...)
"Dueling Geniuses -The Greatest Highlights of Japanese Artists" Exhibition
[0] [29]- Media: Painting - Ceramics
- 2008-07-08 - 2008-08-17
Throughout the history of Japanese art, each generation of painters, Buddhist sculptors, potters and other artists studied the works of the masters among their contemporaries as well as their predecessors (...)
"Korean Textiles and Accessories II - Life of the Literati in the Joseon Dynasty" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion - Other
- 2008-07-08 - 2008-08-24
This exhibition, the second of a two-part thematic series, features garments and daily utensils of educated men in the Joseon Dynasty. The ideal way of living for yangban (members of the nobility class), (...)
"Photographs—Documentation of Old Art" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Photography
- 2008-07-08 - 2008-08-03
In the early Meiji period (1868-1912), when the museum belonged to the Museum Bureau of the Ministry of Education, the collection and preservation of old art works in Japan was connected with the preparation (...)
"France Meets Japan -Ukiyo-e Influence on French Ceramics" Exhibition
[0] [2]- Media: Prints - Ceramics
- 2008-07-01 - 2008-08-03
As a joint project of the Musée d'Orsay, Paris, and the Tokyo National Museum, this exhibition highlights the influence of Japanese art on French art by focusing on tableware. Popular dinnerware sets produced (...)
"Masks and Costume for the Noh Play 'Uto'" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion - Other
- 2008-06-17 - 2008-08-03
Uto is a story that takes place in early summer at Tateyama in Etchu province and Sotonohama in Mutsu province. A traveling priest, humbly dressed in mizugoromo with a sumiboshi cap, arrives at Tateyama (...)
"New Acquisitions 2007" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Illustration - Painting - Calligraphy - Other
- 2008-06-17 - 2008-07-13
To preserve and exhibit irreplaceable cultural properties in an appropriate environment is an important task of museums. The Tokyo National Museum, as a representative museum of Japan, has a collection (...)
"Travelling in Japan: Ou / Tohoku Region" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Other - Other
- 2008-05-27 - 2008-07-06
The Tohoku region, or the northern part of Honshu island, Japan, was called Ou or Oshu from the names of the ancient provinces located in this region. These were Mutsu province on the Pacific side and, (...)
"Korean Textiles and Accessories I - Life and Beauty of Women in Joseon Dynasty" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion - Crafts - Other
- 2008-05-20 - 2008-07-06
This is the first of a two-part thematic exhibition, featuring materials relating to the daily life of the Korean people in the late 19th to early 20th century. The first part focuses on the garments and (...)
"Kinma (Thai Lacquer Art) and Annamese Enameled Ware Imported to Japan" Special Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Ceramics
- 2008-05-08 - 2008-07-27
This thematic display features Southeast Asian lacquer ware and ceramics which were imported to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868) and favored in the world of the tea ceremony. Kinma is a decorative (...)
"History of Bugaku Costume" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion
- 2008-04-22 - 2008-06-15
Bugaku is a type of music with accompanying dance performance, derived from those created in ancient China and Korea, and imported to Japan in the late 8th century. During the Heian period (794-1192) it (...)
"2008 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Calligraphy - Sculpture - Crafts - Ceramics - Other - Art Talk
- 2008-04-22 - 2008-05-06
Important Cultural Property is the status given to paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, calligraphy, books, ancient writings, historical materials, archaeological objects, and buildings that have been (...)
"Korean Tea Bowls from the Joseon Dynasty" Exhibition
[0] [1]- Media: Ceramics
- 2008-04-04 - 2008-07-27
Korean tea bowls are ceramic bowls made in Korea and used as tea bowls in Japan, and it was here that they became an especially admired form of ceramic ware. Originally mass produced in provincial Korean (...)
"Natural History Albums - The Development of Natural History Study in Japan" Exhibition
[0] [2]- Media: Other - Other
- 2008-04-01 - 2008-05-25
The development of museum studies in Japan began with surveys and studies of the entire country conducted by the Kyoho shogunate (1716-35), spurred on by the introduction of Western museum studies introduced (...)
"Daily Work of the Ainu People" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Crafts - Ceramics - Other
- 2008-04-01 - 2008-06-29
This exhibition introduces the daily lives of the Ainu people by focusing on their tools for weaving, hunting and fishing in addition to their daily clothes and wooden vessels. The Ainu people inhabited (...)
"Lacquerworks of the Muromachi Period" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Crafts
- 2008-04-01 - 2008-06-29
The Japanese lacquerwork technique of maki-e had advanced tremendously by the Muromachi period. It had reached a stage of such refinement where almost all techniques known to us today were already invented (...)
"Heijo Capital Relocation 1300th Anniversary - National Treasures from Yakushi-ji Temple" Exhibition
[0] [16]- Media: Painting - Sculpture
- 2008-03-25 - 2008-06-08
Statues, paintings, and other works will be brought from the Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara for this special commemorative exhibition. This temple is the headquarters of the Hosso School of Buddhism, and this (...)
Preface to Lanting Gathering Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Calligraphy - Sculpture
- 2008-03-04 - 2008-05-06
In the late spring of 353, Wang Xi Zhi, the renowned Chinese calligrapher, invited 41 men of distinction to a poetry party at Lanting (Orchard Pavilion), at the foot of Mt. Huiji in Zhejiang province. (...)
Youmei Bunko 70th Anniversary Exhibition: "Courtly Millenium - Art Treasures from the Konoe Family Collection"
[0] [3]- Media: Painting - Calligraphy - Crafts
- 2008-01-02 - 2008-02-24
Youmei Bunko was established by then prime minister Fumimaro Konoe in 1938, and is a collection of the Konoe Family valuable documents, texts and treasures. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of its establishment, (...)
"New Year Event - New Year's Visit to the Musem" Exhibition
[0] [3]- Media: Painting - Crafts - Performance Art
- 2008-01-02 - 2008-01-27
The museum will start welcoming guests for the year 2008 on January 2nd with its annual new year event. In addition to major works of Japanese art including National Treasures "Shourinzu Byobu" folding (...)
"Legacy of the Tokugawa" Exhibition
[0] [4]- Media: Painting - Calligraphy - Crafts
- 2007-10-10 - 2007-12-02
For the first time, the major possessions of the Tokugawa Shoguns, the three branch Tokugawa Daimyos - the Owari, Kii, and Mito Daimyo households, the Toshogu shrines (dedicated to the first Shogun, Tokugawa (...)
"Zen Treasures from the Kyoto Gozan Temples" Exhibition
[0] [1]- Media: Painting - Sculpture - Art Talk
- 2007-07-31 - 2007-09-09
Modeled after a Chinese system of monasteries, Gozan is the group of highest-ranked Zen temples in Japan. Nanzenji in Kyoto was the highest ranked among the Gozan temples, and the following five are Tenryuji, (...)
"The Path of Buddha" Exhibition
[0] [2]- Media: Sculpture
- 2007-07-27 - 2008-04-06
This exhibition traces the development of Buddhist statues from Gandhara (Ancient India), China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan to give insights into how Buddhist beliefs and statues developed in each (...)
"Selected Rubbing Masterpieces of Chinese Stele Inscriptions – Three Great Connoisseurs in Modern Japan – Kaiankyo Collection" Exhibition
[0] [1]- Media: Prints - Sculpture - Art Talk
- 2007-04-17 - 2007-07-01
The Taisho (1912-1926) and early Showa (1926-1989) periods, were characterized by people's enthusiastic collection of art works used for the tea ceremony. Fascinated by Chinese culture, Kikujiro Takashima (...)
"Paintings and Drawings from Kuroda Memorial Hall" Exhibition
[0] [0]- Media: Painting
- 2007-04-10 - 2007-05-06
This thematic exhibition is being held in commemoration of the merger of the National Museum and the Research Institute of Cultural Properties. Originally established in 1930 as the Imperial Art Academy's (...)
"The Mind of Leonardo - The Universal Genius at Work" Exhibition
[0] [11]- Media: Painting
- 2007-03-20 - 2007-06-17
This exhibition, centered around the masterpiece "Annunciation", presents the latest achievements of research into Leonardo da Vinci's work. The audience will be offered a different point of view on the (...)
Spring Garden Opening
[0] [2]- Media: Other
- 2007-03-10 - 2007-04-15
The Museum Garden behind the main building, Japanese Gallery, is currently open to the public for the springtime period.
Maori Treasures from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
[0] [1]- Media: Sculpture - Crafts - Art Talk
- 2007-01-23 - 2007-03-18
The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and this exhibition is the first large-scale exhibition to showcase their culture and art in Japan. On display will be approximately 120 objects, including (...)
Prized Treasures of Chinese Art from the National Museum of China
[0] [2]- Media: Sculpture - Art Talk
- 2007-01-02 - 2007-02-25
To celebrates several milestones in the history of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and China, 61 selected treasures from the National Museum of China will be on display. The Museum, which (...)
Revived Meiji Architecture - Repair work on Tokyo National Museum's Hyokeikan Gallery
[0] [1]- Media: Architecture
- 2006-10-24 - 2007-01-28
Designed by Katayama Tokuma and known as the "building to express joy", the Hyokeikan was created in 1900 for the celebration of Emperor Taisho's marriage. The Tokyo National Museum (formerly the Tokyo (...)
"Shaping Faith: Japanese Ichiboku Buddhist Statues" Exhibition
[0] [20]- Media: Sculpture
- 2006-10-03 - 2006-12-03
This exhibition is focussing on Japan's tradition of Ichiboku statues, presenting examples from the Nara and Heian periods those of the Edo artists Enku and Mokujiki, There will be 146 Ichiboku statues (...)
"Centennial Memorial: Paul Renouard in the Collection of Hayashi Tadamasa" Exhibition
[0] [1]- Media: Painting
- 2006-10-03 - 2006-11-26
Tadamasa Hayashi (1953-1906) is one of the most important figures in the development of Japonism in Europe, as well as in the history of late 19th century Japanese art and crafts. Charles Paul Renouard (...)
Family Gallery: "How do you see Japanese Arts from the Price Collection?"
[0] [3]- Media: Painting - Art Talk
- 2006-07-04 - 2006-08-27
Taking the "Jakuchu and Edo Painting" exhibition as a starting point, this display of colourful and humourous works taken from the Price Collection is aimed at parents and children who would like to enjoy (...)
Jakuchu and The Age of Imagination
[0] [44]- Media: Painting
- 2006-07-04 - 2006-08-27
This is an exhibition of works chosen by art collector Joe Price and staff from the Tokyo National Museum from more than 600 works in the collection. Divided into five sections, the exhibition shows the (...)
Faith and Syncretism: Saicho and Treasures of Tendai
[0] [4]- Media: Crafts
- 2006-03-28 - 2006-05-07
Saicho (766-822), posthumously known as Dengyo Daishi ("Great Teacher who Transmitted the Teachings"), established the Tendai Sect in Japan in 806 (Enryaku 25), under the imperial sanction of Emperor Kanmu. In (...)
Twin Peaks: The Finest of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy
[0] [2]- Media: Calligraphy
- 2006-01-11 - 2006-02-19
Calligraphy is known as one of the most beautiful arts to have emerged from East Asia. This unique exhibition brings together the finest Japanese and Chinese calligraphy from different time periods. Accompanying (...)
New Year's Celebration
[0] [1]- Media: Illustration - Painting - Sculpture - Ceramics
- 2006-01-02 - 2006-01-29
In honor of the new year, the Tokyo National Museum will feature an exhibition on dogs, the zodiac symbol of 2006. Numerous other events, including taiko drumming performances and an ikebana flower display, (...)
Family Gallery: Face and Back of Mirrors
[0] [0]- Media: Crafts
- 2005-11-08 - 2005-12-18
The mysterious world of ancient copper plate mirrors from China and Japan is introduced. Until the last century, mirrors were made of shined copper plates. These copper mirrors were not only a daily item (...)
Hokusai
[0] [15]- Media: Prints
- 2005-10-25 - 2005-12-04
As one of the most famous Japanese artists, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) immediately brings to mind the images of his justly famous Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji series. But actually, his amazing artistic (...)
Buddha Head - National Treasure from Kohfukuji
[0] [1]- Media: Sculpture
- 2005-09-21 - 2005-10-16
A special feature of the Buddha Head of Kohfukuji. The Buddha Head often appears in textbooks to represent the Hakuho period sculptures. In Japanese history, the Hakuho period (late Asuka period) was when (...)
Art of the Tang Dynasty
[0] [1]- Media: Crafts - Ceramics
- 2005-07-20 - 2005-09-11
The Tang dynasty (A.D. 618-907) highly advanced civilization made it the dominant power in East Asia. Japan sent its people to study their social structures and culture; the knowledge they brought back (...)
Masterpieces of the Museum Island, Berlin - Visions of the Divine in the Sanctuary of Art
[0] [8]- Media: Painting - Sculpture - Crafts
- 2005-04-05 - 2005-06-12
This will be the first opportunity to see the reunited collection of Berlin's Museum Island. A highlight exhibition for the "Deutschland in Japan 2005/2006" celebration, approximately 160 works centered (...)
National Treasure from Chuguji: Seated Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
[0] [1]- Media: Sculpture
- 2005-03-08 - 2005-04-17
The Seated Bodhisattva is the principal image of Chugu-ji, one of the seven temples erected by Prince Shotoku over 1300 years ago. Considered one of the true masterpieces of Asian art, the Seated Bodhisattva (...)
The Dancing Satyr
[0] [1]- Media: Sculpture
- 2005-02-19 - 2005-03-13
This exhibition was designed to introduce The Dancing Satyr, one of the most important national treasures of Italy, at Tokyo National Museum for the first time in Japan prior to the formal display from (...)
Hop Step Kyu-Haku
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Crafts - Other
- 2005-02-15 - 2005-04-10
This exhibition was planned by the preparatory office of the Kyushu National Museum, which is set to open in October 2005. It will feature “bronze ware” and the “Dazaifu Office”, both indicators of cultural (...)
National Treasures of Toshodaiji Temple - Ganjinwajo and Vairocana Buddha
[0] [3]- Media: Architecture - Ceramics - Sculpture
- 2005-01-12 - 2005-03-06
Toshodaiji is the head temple of the Ritsu sect of Buddhism. It was founded by the Chinese priest, Ganjinwajo, who spent twelve arduous years traveling to Japan, undergoing numerous perils on his way, (...)
Travel and the Onsen Spa
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Prints
- 2005-01-02 - 2005-02-13
This thematic exhibition features travel in the Edo period. During this time, visits to the Ise Shrine were as common as present-day overseas travel. Of course, there were various feudal restrictions (...)
Chinese Paintings, Featuring the "Three Friends of Winter"
[0] [0]- Media: Painting
- 2005-01-02 - 2005-01-30
An exhibition of paintings with auspicious motifs, featuring pine trees, bamboo, and plum. Pine and Bamboo were treasured for being evergreens, and the Plum was adored as the first to flower among all (...)
Noh Costumes from the Play "Takasago"
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion - Crafts
- 2005-01-02 - 2005-02-27
"Takasago" celebrates longevity and happy marriage, and has been one of the most popular Noh dramas since old times. Segments of the drama's lyrics are still favorite quotes at wedding parties today. This (...)
Celebrating the Year of the Bird
[0] [0]- Media: Painting
- 2005-01-02 - 2005-01-30
Exhibition of art works featuring phoenix, roosters, and other birds. The show commemorates the Year of the Bird, the asian zodiac of 2005.
Seven-stringed Zither, a National Treasure, and Ancient Musical Instruments
[0] [0]- Media: Other
- 2005-01-02 - 2005-02-27
Amongst the Treasures of Horyuji Temple are ancient instruments like the 7-string Koto, Tsuzumi-Do, and the Shakuhachi. Musical instruments and Buddhist temples may not seem a likely match. However, (...)
The World of sueki Wares
[0] [0]- Media: Ceramics
- 2004-12-14 - 2005-01-30
"Sueki Wares" are kiln-fired unglazed stonewares that were imported into Japan from Korea during the Mid-Kofun period. Wares with smaller attachments called "komochi sueki" (sueki with children), those (...)
Maki-e Lacquer of the Igarashi School
[0] [0]- Media: Crafts
- 2004-12-14 - 2005-02-13
According to records, the beginnings of the famous Igarashi School of maki-e lacquer artists can be found in the Muromachi period (1392 - 1573). This school, employing traditional techniques handed down (...)
Traditional Crafts: Exploring the World of Craftsmanship
[0] [0]- Media: Ceramics - Crafts
- 2004-11-30 - 2005-03-06
The Law for Protection of Cultural Properties was enacted in 1950 to protect both tangible and intangible cultural property. The first intangible assets to be protected were selected in 1952, and the (...)
Ainu(Aynu) Life in Kotan
[0] [0]- Media: Crafts
- 2004-11-30 - 2005-03-06
Ainu people have long lived in the harsh climate of the northernmost area of the Japanese archipelago, including Hokkaido and other neighboring islands. They lived in harmony with nature, which they worshipped. (...)
The Genroku-Era and Chu-shin Gura
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Calligraphy
- 2004-11-23 - 2004-12-26
The Genroku-Era of Japan (late 17th to early 18th century) was a period in which the urban bourgeois class became leaders of culture. Mass media such as theater and printing were established during this (...)
Textile Art of Afghanistan
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion - Furniture - Crafts
- 2004-11-09 - 2005-01-30
The nomads used common fibers like wool and horsehair to spin yarn. They then dyed and wove it into various utensils: clothing, bags, tent cloths, rugs and decorative bands. Geometric patterns like diamonds (...)
Kabuki Costumes
[0] [0]- Media: Fashion
- 2004-11-02 - 2004-12-26
Kabuki was a form of theater performance initiated by young women. Women and youths were soon banned from performing based on reasons of immorality, and Kabuki became a theater performed by mature male (...)
Masterpieces of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Part Two
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Calligraphy
- 2004-11-02 - 2004-11-28
The focus of the second half will be on works dating to the Song-, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties featuring "The Second Zen Patriarch in Contemplation" attributed to Shi Ke (Important Cultural Property), "Han-shan (...)
The Calligraphy Works of Jiun in the Kôkiji Collection
[0] [0]- Media: Calligraphy
- 2004-11-02 - 2004-12-12
Jiun(1718-1804) was a monk, famous for his high virtue, active in Kyoto and Osaka during the latter half of the Edo period. The year of 2004 marks the bicentenary commemoration of his parting. At locations (...)
Preservation and Repair of the TNM Collection
[0] [0]- Media: Painting - Drawing - Crafts
- 2004-10-26 - 2004-12-05
This exhibition will introduce visitors to the repair and preservation process of the TNM. 171 items were repaired in 2003. In this display, one exhibit room will feature Japanese Paper, a central ingredient (...)
Autumn Open Garden
[0] [0]- Media: Other
- 2004-10-26 - 2004-11-30
The North Garden of the Museum will be open to visitors. 10:00-16:00 Garden will be closed in bad weather.
Edo and the World
[0] [0]- Media: Illustration - Drawing - Other
- 2004-10-13 - 2004-11-21
The resulting effect of Japan's seclusion on a political, economical and philosophical level in the early modern age is called sakoku (seclusion of country). The material in this feature exhibition, dealing (...)
Treasures of Ancient China
[0] [0]- Media: Crafts - Sculpture
- 2004-09-28 - 2004-11-28
One Thousand Years of Chinese Buddhist Art and the Astonishing Discoveries of Recent Chinese Archaeology: With its immense history and vast territories, China preserves to this day a huge number of precious (...)
Medieval Ceramics
[0] [0]- Media: Ceramics
- 2004-09-01 - 2004-12-12
At the end of the Heian period (A.D. 794-1192), new and different styles in ceramic wares began to appear. The dawn of medieval ceramic production is usually thought to begin with the establishment of (...)
Autumnal Designs in Maki-e
[0] [0]- Media: Other
- 2004-09-01 - 2004-12-05
The 'Seven Flowers of Autumn' is a combination of plants symbolizing autumn, known to Japanese culture since the ancient times of Manyoshu (oldest Japanese poetry anthology compiled in the mid 8th century). (...)
2D
- Graphics (24)
- Illustration (39)
- Painting (215)
- Drawing (27)
- Calligraphy (12)
- Photography (94)
- Prints (38)
- Other (54)
3D
- Architecture (14)
- Sculpture (68)
- Installation (50)
- Furniture (16)
- Fashion (18)
- Product (23)
- Crafts (58)
- Ceramics (20)
- Other (46)
Screen
- Film (7)
- Video installation (21)
- Digital (1)
- Other (5)
Misc.
- Art Party (59)
- Art Talk (72)
- Performance Art (15)
- Art Competition (4)
In & Around:
Ginza, Shimbashi(73) Ueno(43) Kiyosumi, Odaiba(13) Nihonbashi, Kudanshita(70) Omotesando(55) Shinjuku(63) Shibuya(40) Roppongi(44) Nakameguro(32) Musashino, Tama(37) Yokohama, Kanagawa(38) Kanto: others(47)
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