*Tokyo National Museum will reopen from June 1 (Tue.).

The National Treasure “Frolicking Animals” is one of the most famous works in the history of Japanese painting. It depicts the activities of anthropomorphized animals and people in energetic monochrome ink lines. All scenes from all four volumes of “Frolicking Animals” will be on view during the exhibition period. They will be displayed alongside fragments separated from the main scrolls and copies of scenes now lost to the originals. The exhibition also features selected treasures from the Kozan-ji Temple collection, including the Important Cultural Property “Seated Sculpture of Priest Myoe,” an image usually off limits to the public.

*All visitors must purchase a timed-entry reservation (timed ticket) online prior to their visit. Special exhibition tickets include entry to the regular exhibitions, but are sold separately from tickets for admission to the regular exhibitions only. Please be sure to purchase the correct ticket.

[Image: Chojugiga First Scroll, 12th century, Kozan-ji Temple Collection, Kyoto]

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Founded in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum has the longest history of any museum in Japan. The museum collects, stores, restores, exhibits, conducts research and education on a wide range of cultural properties, including Japanese and Oriental art and archaeology.  In the comprehensive cultural exhibition, about 3,000 items from the museum's collection and deposited items, including works of art (including national treasures and important cultural properties), historical materials, and archaeological artifacts, are displayed at all times, and the exhibits are regularly changed 300 to 400 times a year.  There are six exhibition halls in total. The main building (Japan Gallery) displays Japanese art, the Toyokan (Asian Gallery) displays Oriental art, and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures displays treasures donated by Horyuji Temple. The Heiseikan has a gallery of Japanese archaeological artifacts on the first floor and a gallery dedicated to special exhibitions on the second floor. The Heiseikan also houses the Kuroda Memorial Hall, which displays the works of Western-style painter Seiki Kuroda. The Hyokeikan is open only during special exhibitions and events.

National Treasure: Frolicking Animals

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