Tokyo Area Exhibitions, Fall-Winter 2011-12 東京の美術展覧会 秋〜冬

* Permalink for original blog post here: http://blog.livedoor.jp/auberginefleur/archives/52041426.html



CHIBA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 千葉市美術館
* Sakai Hoitsu and The Edo Rinpa School, 2011年10月10日（月・祝）〜 11月13日（日）酒井抱一と江戸琳派の全貌
* Takeguchi Shuzo and Marcel Duchamp,2011年11月22日（火）〜 2012年1月29日（日）瀧口修造とマルセル・デュシャン
* Chibi City's Citizen Art Exhibition, ２０１２年３月３日（土）〜３月２３日（金） 第43回 千葉市民美術展覧会
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibition_02.html


EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 江戸東京博物館
* A Portrait of Venice,2011年9月23日（金）〜2011年12月11日（日）　魅惑の芸術‐千年の都 　世界遺産　ヴェネツィア展
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/


Eisei Bunko 永青文庫
* Closed 平成２３年８月１日（月）〜　平成２４年１月６日（金）
(But the collection is on display at the Kyoto National Museum: The Lineage of Culture: The Hosokawa Family Eisei Bunko Collection, October 8 to November 23, 2011)
* Forthcoming: Ceramic Incense Braziers and Lacquer Incense Implements,平成24年１月７日（土）〜2月26日（日）（予定）、「心にくく薫りいで　やきもの香炉と蒔絵香道具」（仮称）
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.eiseibunko.com/exhibition.html


GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
*Time in Sculpture the succession and transition, Oct 7 (Fri) - Nov 6 (Sun), 2011 彫刻の時間—継承と展開—
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/
exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729


THE GOTOH MUSEUM 五島美術館
* The Gotoh Museum Temporarily Closed for Renewal, 10/25/2010 – Fall 2012
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/exhibition/schedule.html


HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
* Hatakeyama Sokuo's World of Beauty-from his fine collection of paintings, calligraphies, and tea utensils, 8th October-18th December
* Hatayekaya Sokuo's Tea Ceremony-Focusing on Hon'ami Koetsu's Tea Bowl “Seppou,” 21th January, 2012 - 18th March, 2012
* Exhibition Schedule in English



IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館
* Taiga, Buson, Gyokudo, and Sengai, 2011年9月10日（土）〜10月23日（日）大雅・蕪村・玉堂と仙がい ―「笑（わらい）」のこころ
* Hasegawa Tohaku and the Kano School, 2011年10月29日（土）〜12月18日（日）、日本の美・発見VI長谷川等伯と狩野派
* Yamada Jouzan--The Living National Treasure and his Ceramic Works, 2012年1月7日（土）〜2月19日（日）、三代　山田常山―人間国宝、その陶芸と心
* Albums of Famous Calligraphy Samples (Kohitsu Tegakami), 2012年2月25日（土）〜3月25日（日）、古筆手鑑―国宝『見努世友』を中心に（仮称）
* Tokyo 2011-12 Schedule (in Japanese)


ITABASHI ART MUSEUM 板橋区美術館
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.itabashiartmuseum.jp/
art/schedule/index.html
ACCESS: 15 min walk from Nishitakashimadaira Stn on the Mita subway line, 22 min walk from the Shimoakazuka Stn on the Tobu Tojo line, 25 min walk from the Eidan Akatuska Stn on the Yurakucho line, see Map



(Still in process—check back for more to come)

Kuniyoshi Print and the Tokyo Sky-Tree Tower

Was Kuniyoshi Prescient? Why did he depict the Tokyo Sky-Tree Tower already in the Edo period?







Not my idea, I saw it on Japanese TV!

Ｊａｐａｎ’ｓ Newly Ｄｅｓｉｇｎａｔｅｄ Ｗｏｒｌｄ Heritage and Natural Heritage Sites

Japan's Hiraizumi decided as World Heritage site
(Mainichi Japan) June 26, 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Buddhist temples and landscape in the ancient town of Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeastern Japan, have won approval as a World Heritage cultural site at an ongoing UNESCO meeting in Paris, Japanese government officials said Sunday.

Hiraizumi becomes Japan's 12th World Heritage cultural site, according to the decision by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage Committee, and follows endorsement of the Ogasawara island chain in the Pacific south of Tokyo as the country's fourth natural heritage site.

The registration of Hiraizumi on the World Heritage List, the first in the country's northeastern Tohoku region, would be a boon for the region devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster, as it is expected to boost tourism.

Hiraizumi, which includes Chusonji, a Buddhist temple known for the Golden Hall, features a cluster of temples and ruins left by the Oshu Fujiwara warrior family that ruled the Tohoku region from the 11th to the 12th centuries. ...

... Hiraizumi was the political and cultural center of the northern part of Japan's Honshu main island for nearly 100 years in the 11th and 12th centuries, when the area was ruled by the Oshu Fujiwara clan independent of rulers in Kyoto, the capital at the time. (MORE)

Ogasawara island chain named as World Heritage site
(Mainichi Japan) June 24, 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Ogasawara island chain, a habitat for rare animals and plants in the western Pacific, was named Friday by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Japanese government officials said.

The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage Committee authorized the registration of the group of about 30 islands, about 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, which is home to many indigenous species as it has never been connected to a continent. ...

... To be registered on the list are a total of 6,360 hectares of land including the Mukojima, Chichijima and Hahajima archipelagoes, plus Kitaiwoto and Minamiiwoto islands, and a combined 1,580 hectares of water areas around those islets.

The Ogasawara island chain, a popular destination for ecotourism, is dubbed the "Galapagos in the Orient" for its rich and distinctive natural assets such as the Bonin flying fox, an endangered species of bat.

With a population of about 2,400, the Ogasawara islet chain belongs to Tokyo and is administered by the village government of Ogasawara. The island chain group was once under U.S. occupation after World War II but was returned to Japan in 1968. (MORE)

Tokyo Area Spring Exhibitions 2011: AF’s Picks 春の展覧会 ピックアップ

GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
* Fragrance - the Aroma of Masterpieces, 2011年4月7日（木）- 5月29日（日）「香り　かぐわしき名宝」展
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/
exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729




OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* Introduction to Edo Fashion, April 1st〜May 26th, 2011, 2011 大江戸ファッション事始め

* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/H20schedule.html





MOA MUSEUM OF ART MOA美術館　
* Edo Fashion in Ukiyo-e, 3/25〜5/25, 2011 所蔵　江戸のファッション─UKIYO・E─




TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* SHARAKU 「写楽｣
NEW DATES: May 1, 2011 - Sunday, June 12, 2011




UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
* The Beauty of Attire: Meiji Period Bijinga, 4/29 - 5/29, 20011 装いの美 明治の美人画
* The Beauty of Attire:Taisho and Showa Era Bijinga, 6/4 - 6/26, 2011 装いの美 大正・昭和の美人画
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese): http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2011exhibition/schedule2011.html
Access: LaLaport Toyosu





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* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives

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From the Art Newspaper: Race to save Buddhist relics in former Bin Laden camp

Race to save Buddhist relics in former Bin Laden camp
Workers are desperately trying to excavate Mes Aynak before a Chinese mining company moves in

By Martin Bailey | From issue 223, April 2010
Published online 7 Apr 11 (News)


MES AYNAK. A rescue operation is underway to save as much as possible from ancient Buddhist monasteries in Mes Aynak, Afghanistan, before the mountains become an open-cast mine and the site is destroyed. In what is now the world’s largest archaeological dig, around 1,000 workers are trying to excavate artefacts from the country’s second most important Buddhist site (along with Hadda), after Bamiyan.

The site, a former training camp of Osama bin Laden, has been leased to a Chinese mining company for copper production. Only what can be excavated and removed to safety will be saved.

Despite the impending archaeological loss, Mes Aynak has received scant attention internationally. Moreover, Afghanistan’s heritage has suffered much in recent years from civil war, looting and the vandalism of the Taliban.

Mes Aynak (Little Copper Well) lies 25 miles south-east of Kabul, in a barren region. The Buddhist monasteries date from the third to the seventh centuries, and are located near the remains of ancient copper mines. It is unclear whether the monastery was originally established to serve the miners or if the monks set up there to work the mines themselves.

... The rescue excavations began in 2009 at Gol Hamid, which lies in a mountain pass adjacent to a Chinese camp. Work was undertaken by the National Institute of Archaeology and the Délégation Archéologique Française en Afghanistan. Part of the monastic compound was excavated, leading to the discovery of a vaulted chapel, monks’ cells and storerooms. Polychrome terracotta statues were also found, including a sleeping Buddha.

Last year the archaeological work moved to Tepe Kafiriat, higher up the mountains. The 260 ft walled complex originally had eight stone-clad stupas (ceremonial towers for relics), surrounding the main stupa. Among the finds are a 25 ft-long reclining Buddha and wall paintings. Archaeologists also discovered a pair of large feet, which are all that remains of a 10 ft statue (the main part was looted or destroyed in the early 2000s). An ancient wooden Buddha was also discovered, which very rarely survive.(MORE)

Tokyo Area Exhibitions, Spring 2011 東京の美術展覧会 春

CHIBA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 千葉市美術館
Not much of interest to me personally, but here is what there is:
* European Wood Toys from The Musashino University Museum and Library, ２０１１年１月２９日（土）～２月２７日（日） (武蔵野美術大学 美術館・図書館所蔵ネフ・コレクション―ヨーロッパの木製おもちゃ
* Engravings from the Museum's Collection, 2011年2月8日（火）～ 2月20日（日） 銅版画の森へ　―ゴヤ・ルオー・浜口陽三・深澤幸雄らの作品より―
* Chibi City's Citizen Art Exhibition, ２０１１年３月５日（土）～３月２５日（金） 第42回 千葉市民美術展覧会
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibition_02.html




EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 江戸東京博物館
* NHK Taiga Drama Exhibition: Himetachi no Sengoku, 1-2日～2/20, 2011
* The 500 Arhats and the Zojoji Private Collection of Buddhist Paintings, 3/15～5/29, 2011 特別展 「五百羅漢～増上寺秘蔵の仏画～」
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/kikaku/index.html


Eisei Bunko 永青文庫
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.eiseibunko.com/exhibition.html



GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
* graduation Works Exhibition 2011, 2011年1月29日（土）-2月3日（木）
* Fragrance - the Aroma of Masterpieces, 2011年4月7日（木）- 5月29日（日）「香り　かぐわしき名宝」展
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/
exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729


THE GOTOH MUSEUM 五島美術館
* The Gotoh Museum Temporarily Closed for Renewal, 10/25/2010 – Fall 2012
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/exhibition/schedule.html



HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
* Sakai Hōitsu and the Beauty of Rinpa, 1/22-3/21, 2011 生誕250年「酒井抱一―琳派の華―」
* 2009 Exhibition Schedule in English




IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館
* The Arts of the Rinpa School, 1/8-3/21, 2011
In Japanese: 酒井抱一生誕250年　琳派芸術　―光悦・宗達から江戸琳派―
* Tokyo 2011 Schedule (in Japanese)


ITABASHI ART MUSEUM 板橋区美術館
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.itabashiartmuseum.jp/
art/schedule/index.html
ACCESS: 15 min walk from Nishitakashimadaira Stn on the Mita subway line, 22 min walk from the Shimoakazuka Stn on the Tobu Tojo line, 25 min walk from the Eidan Akatuska Stn on the Yurakucho line, see Map




JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM 民芸館
* Japanese Antique Dolls , January 9 (Sunday) ~ March 23 (Monday), 2011
* Masterpieces of Japanese Folk Crafts, 2011年4月5日（火)～6月26日（日） 開館75周年記念 日本民藝館名品展
* Exhibition Schedule (in English): http://www.mingeikan.or.jp/english/html/
exhibitions-events-mingeikan.html?blog_id=517729
ACCESS: Komaba Todaimae stn on the Inokashira line from Shibuya
MAP


KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY 神奈川県立歴史博物館
* Edo Period Coinage, 2/19（Sat）～4/10（Sun), 2011 江戸時代の貨幣
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://ch.kanagawa-museum.jp/tenji/nenkan/nenkan.html



KANAZAWA BUNKO MUSEUM　神奈川県立金沢文庫
* Buddhist Sculpture by Unkei　運慶－中世密教と鎌倉幕府－, 平成２３年１月２１日（金）～３月６日（日）
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.planet.pref.kanagawa.jp/
city/bunko/kalenda.htm



Access: 神奈川県立金沢文庫
Nearby Japanese Style Restaurant: ふみくら茶屋
* Click map to enlarge



MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM 三井記念美術館
* Famous Works of the Muromachi Period from the Mitsui Collection, 12/3/2010-1/29/2011
* Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family, 2/10-4/3, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition/index2.html



NEZU INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS 根津美術館
* Treasures of Ink Painting, 2011年1月8日(土）～2月13日（日) 墨宝　常盤山文庫名品展
* Ancient Mirrors and Japanese Dolls, 2011年2月26日(土）～4月6日（水) 古鏡とひなかざり
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/jp/exhibition/index.html




OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* Masterpieces from the Ōta Memorial Museum of Art, January　4th ～26th, 2011
* Designs Seen in Ukiyo-e: Printed Designs of Edo, February 1st～20th, 2011
* Kobayashi Kiyochika, March　1st～27th, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/H20schedule.html



SEIKADO BUNKO ART MUSEUM 静嘉堂文庫美術館
* Dolls from the Iwasaki Collection, 2/5-3/21, 2011 岩崎家の人形展
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.seikado.or.jp/sub0203.htm


SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF ART 静岡県立美術館
* Exhibition Schedule 2010 (in Japanese)
http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/japanese/exhibition/kikaku/2010/
Access: http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/english/access/



SUNTORY MUSEUM OF ART サントリー美術館
* 300 Years of Meissen Ceramics from the Meissen Art Museum, Saturday 8 January to Sunday 6 March 2011
* Art Revisited, Beauty Revealed I: Works from the Suntory Collection, Saturday 19 March to Sunday 22 May 2011
* Art Revisited, Beauty Revealed II: Symbols of Immortality: The Art of the Phoenix and the Lion, Wednesday 8 June to Sunday 24 July 2011
* The Yearning for Venetian Glass: Beauty that Traversed Oceans and Time, Wednesday 10 August to Monday (Holiday) 11 October 2011
* Light and Shadows in Namban Art: The Mystery of the Western Kings on Horseback, Wednesday 26 October to Sunday 4 December 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/exhibition/index.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/sma/exhibition/future.html


TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (Tobikan) 東京都美術館
* CLOSED FOR REMODELLING, 4/5/2010 ～ 2012
* More Info (in Japanese) http://www.tobikan.jp/outline/renewal/index.html



TOKYO METROPOLITAN TEIEN ART MUSEUM 東京都庭園美術館
* Typography Poster, 1/29-3/27, 2011
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/exhibition/e_index.html
Access: http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/info/e_access.html




TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.tnm.jp/en/exhibition/regular/en_one_year.html





UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese): http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2010exhibition/schedule2010.html
Access: LaLaport Toyosu




YAMATANE MUSEUM 山種美術館
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/exh_schedule.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html#menu4
New Location and Access


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* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives


* For access from your (Japanese) cellphone, email the link below to your cellphone, after opening the email on your cellphone, click on the link, and save it to your cellphone favorites.

http://blog.m.livedoor.jp/auberginefleur/index.cgi

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newly Discovered Scroll Painting of Japanese Wako Pirates

And now for another, online news quote:


Second scroll depicting 'Wako' pirates found to be held by Beijing museum

(Mainichi Japan) October 31, 2010


A part of China's scroll is pictured, with Wako pirates, left, and the Ming Dynasty navy, right, caught in battle. (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of China)


A part of Japan's scroll is pictured, with Wako pirates, right, and the Ming Dynasty navy, left, caught in battle. (Photo courtesy of the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo)

The National Museum of China in Beijing holds a picture scroll very similar to one in Japan that was until now thought to be the only pictorial record of the medieval "Wako" pirates, it has been learned.

"Wako" is a name meaning "Japanese invader," used in the past by China and Korea to refer to pirates that plundered and engaged in smuggling along the Chinese and Korean coasts from the 13th to 16th centuries. Through the 15th century, the Wako were mostly Japanese, as the name implies, but in the 16th century most of the Wako are believed to have actually been Chinese.

Japan's scroll and China's scroll were both found to be inscribed with dates using a Japanese period name. The scrolls will be discussed at a joint research meeting between the two countries, planned to be held on Nov. 12 at the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo, where Japan's scroll is held. Expectations are high that the research meeting will shed new light on the little-understood Wako.

China's scroll measures 32-centimeters tall and 522 centimeters long, almost the same size as the scroll held by Japan, which was was obtained before 1923 from a shop selling old texts. Like Japan's scroll, the scroll in China depicts a battle between the Wako and the navy of China's Ming Dynasty. The locations of the boats and other details differ between China's scroll and Japan's scroll, but overall the scene depicted is the same.

"Both were probably made at the same studio in China sometime around the 17th century," said Toru Hoya, vice-director of the Historiographical Institute.

The possible existence of China's scroll came to Japanese researchers' attention in 2007, when a Chinese researcher visiting Japan remarked at a symposium that there was a scroll depicting the Wako in China as well. Japanese researchers at the Historiographical Institute planned a visit to the Beijing museum to see the scroll, and also decided to take a fresh look at the scroll held by Japan.

Re-examining the scroll in Japan with infrared photography, the researchers in June of this year discovered that on a ship's flag in the picture, covered over with white paint was the date, "Year 4 of Koji." "Koji" is a Japanese period name, and the fourth year of it corresponds to the year 1558 on the Gregorian calendar. The date coincides with when the Wako were at their height. The reason for the date being painted over is unknown.

On their visit to the National Museum of China in Sept. of this year, Hoya and others from the Historiographical Institute reached an agreement with Chinese researchers to conduct joint-research on the scrolls. They were able to use infrared photography on China's scroll as well, which revealed the word "Japan" and the date "Year 3 of Koji," or the year 1557, on the flag of a boat in that picture.

The scroll held in Japan is a well known historical artifact that even appears in Japanese school textbooks, but until now the location and date of the battle depicted were unknown. There were theories such as that the scene depicted the Ming Dynasty's navy attacking Taiwan, but the recent research adds strong support that the image, in fact, depicts the Wako.

On Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, both Japan's scroll, which is not normally open to viewing by the public, and a reproduction of China's scroll will be exhibited at the Historiographical Institute.

Lost Swords from Shosoin Confirmed

Two swords “checked out” from the Shōsōin in 759 and have since been missing for hundreds of years, have recently been confirmed by X-ray as the swords found under the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji in Nara. It is thought that Empress Kōmyō (光明皇后, Kōmyō kōgō) (701–760) placed them there in prayer for her deceased husband, Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇, 701–756).


A document from the Shōsōin has the notation that the swords were removed, but no notation that they were ever returned. The inscriptions found on the swords by X-ray, "Yoken" 陽劔 and "Inken" 陰劔 (meaning "Yang-sword" and Yin-sword"), confirm the inscriptions recorded in the Shōsōin document.


* See news articles below:

2 swords from Todaiji Temple identified as treasures that went missing 1,250 years ago

(Mainichi Japan) October 26, 2010

The giant Buddha statue under which the swords were found is pictured at Todaiji Temple in Nara on Oct. 25. (Mainichi)IKOMA, Nara -- An X-ray scan has revealed two swords from Nara's Todaiji Temple are the two treasures that went missing from the temple's treasure room 1,250 years ago.

The two swords, made of iron and about one meter long each, were unearthed in 1907 from an area underneath the large Buddha statue's right knee at Todaiji Temple, where they were buried about 45 centimeters deep. They were designated as national treasures, as have been pearls, silver jars, and other treasures found at the temple.

When researchers at the Gangoji institute for research of cultural property put the swords through an X-ray scan on Sept. 30 as part of preservation and repair work, inscriptions, hidden from the naked eye by rust, were found near the handles of the swords.

The inscriptions, made by inlaying another metal into the metal of the sword, read "Yoken" and "Inken." These two names are similar to those appearing at the top of a record of 100 swords donated by Empress Komyo (701-760) to the large Buddha at Todaiji Temple. The lengths and decorations of the swords almost perfectly match the record.

Notes are attached to the record saying that the two swords had been removed from the treasure room at the temple. Based on a different record, it is known that the swords were taken out from the temple on Dec. 26, 759, about a half-year before Empress Komyo's death.

The record shows a total of seven treasures as being removed from the treasure house. Of these seven, the two swords are the only ones whose current locations and existences have been confirmed. Research will continue to see if any other artifacts being held in preservation may be related to the missing treasures.

Also during the latest research, another sword from the temple was discovered to have a mark of seven stars. This mark represented the Big Dipper constellation and was associated with Emperor Shomu (701-756).

There are currently no plans to exhibit any of the swords to the public.

Kazuki Sugimoto, member of the Imperial Household Agency and head of the office that administers Todaiji Temple's treasure houses, said that through the discovery, one can feel how Empress Komyo changed her mind on where the swords should be held. Sugimoto believes that the Empress hoped the country would be protected not only by the giant Buddha, but also by the power of the swords.

Swords found to be treasures

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 27, 2010)

NARA--Two ancient swords that were found under the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji temple in Nara about a century ago have been confirmed as treasures that had been missing for about 1,250 years. An X-ray analysis confirmed the swords, which have been designated as national treasures, were offered to the statue more than 12 centuries ago, but went missing shortly afterward. ...

... The swords were treasured by Emperor Shomu (701-756) and dedicated to the statue after his death by Empress Komyo (701-760). They were stored in the Shoso-in at first but taken out a few years later, and their whereabouts had been a mystery ever since. The swords, whose blades are about 80 centimeters long, were among items found buried under the pedestal of the Great Buddha statue. ...

... The institute's Center for Conservation Science X-rayed the swords and discovered inlaid inscriptions, which read Yo no Ken and In no Ken, near the bottom of the blades. The blades' length and sharkskin hilts are identical to descriptions of the Yo no Hoken and In no Hoken swords recorded in Kokka Chinpo Cho, a list of Shoso-in treasures. Kokka Chinpo Cho registered items that were treasured by the emperor and dedicated to the statue by the empress in 756. Yo no Hoken and In no Hoken are named at the top of 100 large swords on the list, indicating they were very important. They likely were meant to portray the positive and negative principles of Chinese philosophy to wish for the harmonious existence of all things in the universe. These swords are among seven items on the list that had been tagged as being taken out from the repository in December 759, about half a year before the empress died. The swords are the first of these seven items to have been located.

"I suppose Empress Komyo, near the end of her life, had the swords placed under the statue in the hope that [deceased] Emperor Shomu and the power of the Great Buddha would help preserve peace," said Kazuki Sugimoto, director of the Office of the Shosoin Treasure House, Imperial Household. "Parts of a suit of armor and a crystal ball were with the swords. They also could be items taken from the Shoso-in." (MORE)

Tokyo Area Exhibitions, Fall-Winter 2010 東京の美術展覧会 秋・冬

CHIBA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 千葉市美術館
* Edo Period Paintings from the New Orleans Gitter Collection, １２/１４/２０１０ 〜１/２３/２０１１ (帰ってきた江戸絵画 ニューオーリンズ ギッター・コレクション展)
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibition_02.html




EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 江戸東京博物館
* Sumidagawa: The Beloved River of Edo, 9/22〜11/14, 2010
* NHK Taiga Drama Exhibition: Himetachi no Sengoku, 1-2日〜2/20, 2011
* The 500 Arhats and the Zojoji Private Collection of Buddhist Paintings, 3/15〜5/29, 2011
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/kikaku/index.html



Eisei Bunko 永青文庫
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.eiseibunko.com/exhibition.html



GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
* Ragusa and Rokuzan: Sculpture of Meiji Era, October 23 (Sat) - December 5 (Sun), 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/
exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729



THE GOTOH MUSEUM 五島美術館
* The Beauty of Tea Implements, 8/28-10/24, 2010
* The Tale of Genji Narrative Handscrolls, 11/3-11/28, 2010
(国宝　源氏物語絵巻)
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/exhibition/schedule.html




HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
* Tea Bowls Favored by Oribe, 10/9-12/19, 2010
* Sakai Hōitsu and the Beauty of Rinpa, 1/22-3/21, 2011
* 2009 Exhibition Schedule in English




IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館
* Zengai: Zen and Humor, 9/18-11/3, 2010
* Becoming Intimate with Ceramics VIII: The Way of the Tea Bowl, 11/13-12/23, 2010
* The Arts of the Rinpa School, 1/8-3/21, 2011
* Tokyo 2010 Schedule (in Japanese)




ITABASHI ART MUSEUM 板橋区美術館
*Fukuzawa Ichiro Paintings 福沢一郎絵画研究所, 11/20/2010〜1/10/2011
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.itabashiartmuseum.jp/
art/schedule/index.html
ACCESS: 15 min walk from Nishitakashimadaira Stn on the Mita subway line, 22 min walk from the Shimoakazuka Stn on the Tobu Tojo line, 25 min walk from the Eidan Akatuska Stn on the Yurakucho line, see Map




JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM 民芸館
* Kawai Kanjiro Potter 河井寛次郎−生誕120年記念展−, 9/14−11/23日, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in English): http://www.mingeikan.or.jp/english/html/
exhibitions-events-mingeikan.html?blog_id=517729
ACCESS: Komaba Todaimae stn on the Inokashira line from Shibuya
MAP




KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY 神奈川県立歴史博物館
* Images of the Chushingura in Ukiyo-e Prints, 11/20（Sat）〜12/19（Sun), 2010
* Edo Period Coinage, 2/19（Sat）〜4/10（Sun), 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://ch.kanagawa-museum.jp/tenji/nenkan/nenkan.html




KANAZAWA BUNKO MUSEUM　神奈川県立金沢文庫
* Looking at Buddhist Sculpture　仏像のみかた, ９/２〜１１/２３, ２０１０
* Buddhist Texts and Documents 仏典大図解, １１/２７、２０１０〜１/１６、２０１１
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.planet.pref.kanagawa.jp/
city/bunko/kalenda.htm



Access: 神奈川県立金沢文庫
Nearby Japanese Style Restaurant: ふみくら茶屋
* Click map to enlarge



MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM 三井記念美術館
* Maruyama Ōkyō, 10/9-11/28, 2010
* Famous Works of the Muromachi Period from the Mitsui Collection, 12/3/2010-1/29/2011
* Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family, 2/10-4/3, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition/index2.html



NEZU INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS 根津美術館
* Heavenly Blue: Southern Song Celadons, 10/9(Sat)〜11/14(Sun), 2010
* Living In Pictures 絵のなかに生きる, 11/23日〜12/23, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/jp/exhibition/index.html




OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* "Masterpieces of Ukiyo-e Collection from the MKG Hamburg", 10/1（Fri）〜11/28（Sun), 2010
* "Chūshingura depicted in Ukiyo-e," 12/3日（Fri）〜12/19（Sun), 2010
* Masterpieces from the Ōta Memorial Museum of Art, January　4th 〜26th, 2011
* Designs Seen in Ukiyo-e: Printed Designs of Edo, February 1st〜20th, 2011
* Kobayashi Kiyochika, March　1st〜27th, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/H20schedule.html



SEIKADO BUNKO ART MUSEUM 静嘉堂文庫美術館
* Famous Works of Chinese Ceramics, 9/25-12/5, 2010
* Dolls from the Iwasaki Collection, 2/5-3/21, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.seikado.or.jp/sub0203.htm


SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF ART 静岡県立美術館
* Exhibition Schedule 2010 (in Japanese)
http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/japanese/exhibition/kikaku/2010/
Access: http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/english/access/




SUNTORY MUSEUM OF ART サントリー美術館
* Tsutaya Jūzaburo: The Publisher who Discovered Utamaro and Sharaku, Wednesday (holiday) 3 November to Sunday 19 December 2010
* 300 Years of Meissen Ceramics from the Meissen Art Museum, Saturday 8 January to Sunday 6 March 2011
* Art Revisited, Beauty Revealed I: Works from the Suntory Collection, Saturday 19 March to Sunday 22 May 2011
* Art Revisited, Beauty Revealed II: Symbols of Immortality: The Art of the Phoenix and the Lion, Wednesday 8 June to Sunday 24 July 2011
* The Yearning for Venetian Glass: Beauty that Traversed Oceans and Time, Wednesday 10 August to Monday (Holiday) 11 October 2011
* Light and Shadows in Namban Art: The Mystery of the Western Kings on Horseback, Wednesday 26 October to Sunday 4 December 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/exhibition/index.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/sma/exhibition/future.html


TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (Tobikan) 東京都美術館
* CLOSED FOR REMODELLING, 4/5/2010 〜 2012
* More Info (in Japanese) http://www.tobikan.jp/outline/renewal/index.html



TOKYO METROPOLITAN TEIEN ART MUSEUM 東京都庭園美術館
* Perfume World, 9/18-11/28, 2010
* Art Deco in the Former Prince Asaka Residence, 12/11/2010-1/16/2011
* Typography Poster, 1/29-3/27, 2011
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/exhibition/e_index.html
Access: http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/info/e_access.html




TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* The 1250th Memorial of Empress Komyo: Todaiji Temple and Monuments of Tenpyo Culture, Friday, October 8 - Sunday, December 12, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.tnm.jp/en/exhibition/regular/en_one_year.html





UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese): http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2010exhibition/schedule2010.html
Access: LaLaport Toyosu




YAMATANE MUSEUM 山種美術館
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/exh_schedule.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html#menu4
New Location and Access


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Summer Exhibitions: AF's Picks 夏の展覧会 ピックアップ

KAWAGOE CITY ART MUSEUM 川越市立美術館
http://www.city.kawagoe.saitama.jp/
* Takehisa Yumeji Exhibition
　7/3〜8/22
志田コレクション　竹久夢二展

Event (Lecture):
・講演会「夢二再考−竹久夢二とその時代−」
　講　師：谷口朋子（竹久夢二研究家）
日時：8月1日（日）　午後2時〜
　会　場：川越市立美術館アートホール
　参加費：無料
　定　員：80名（先着順）
申　込：7月6日（火）午前9時から電話またはFaxで受付
　　　　電話[phone]　Fax[phone]



SEIKADO BUNKO ART MUSEUM 静嘉堂文庫美術館
http://www.seikado.or.jp/
* The Beauty of Brocade Prints: The World of Utagawa Kunisada and Hiroshige
6/12〜8/8, 2010
錦絵の美―国貞・広重の世界―



UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2009exhibition/schedule2009.html
* Famous Places of Edo: Spring and Summer Prints
　7/3〜7/25, 2010
江戸の夏 隅田川で夕涼み


IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館出光美術館
http://www.idemitsu.co.jp/
museum/honkan/index.html　
* Venus in Japanese Art: Beautiful Women in Ukiyoe and Early Modern Paintings
7/31〜9/12, 2010
日本美術のヴィーナス　―浮世絵と近代美人画―



HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
http://www.ebara.co.jp/csr/hatakeyama/
* Themes of Cooling Off in Summer: Paintings, Calligraphy, and Ceramics
7/31〜9/20, 2010
夏季展 「涼を愉（たの）しむ―書画・茶器・懐石道具―」


NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, TOKYO　東京国立近代美術館
http://www.momat.go.jp/
* Exhibition of Uemura Shoen's Paintings
9/7〜10/17, 2010
上村松園展



EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM
http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/kikaku/index.html
The Sumidagawa River: Scenes Beloved of Edoites
9/22〜11/14, 2010
特別展「隅田川〜江戸が愛した風景〜」




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* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives


* For access from your (Japanese) cellphone, email the link below to your cellphone, after opening the email on your cellphone, click on the link, and save it to your cellphone favorites.

http://blog.m.livedoor.jp/auberginefleur/index.cgi

*Click Blogmura logo below for other blogs (in Japanese) on Japanese Art


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Tokyo Area Exhibitions, Spring-Summer 2010 東京の美術展覧会 春・夏

CHIBA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 千葉市美術館
* A Hundred Flowers of Early Modern Japanese Art, ４/６〜５/９, ２０１０
近代日本美術の百花
* Itō Jakuchū: Another World,　５/２２〜６/２７, ２０１０
* Masks, ７/６〜８/１５, ２０１０
* Tanaka Isson （1908-77）: Retrospective, ８/２１〜９/２６, ２０１０
* Dan Flavin (1933-1996), １０/５〜１２/５, ２０１０
* Edo Period Paintings from the New Orleans Gitter Collection, １２/１４/２０１０ 〜１/２３/２０１１
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibition_02.html




EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 江戸東京博物館
* Genghis Khan and the Treasures of the Mongols, 2/2〜4/11, 2010
* NHK Taiga Drama Exhibition: Ryoma-Den, 4/27〜6/6, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/kikaku/index.html



Eisei Bunko 永青文庫
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.eiseibunko.com/exhibition.html




GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
* Reproductions of the Kizil Cave Murals of a Thousand Buddhas on the Silk Road, March 16 (Tue) - March 28 (Sun), 2010
* Geidai Collection: Asakura Fumio and Focusing on Animals, April 6 (Tue) - June 6 (Sun), 2010
* Marc Chagall, Jul 3 (Sat) - Oct 11 (Mon), 2010
* Ragusa and Rokuzan: Sculpture of Meiji Era, October 23 (Sat) - December 5 (Sun), 2010

* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729



THE GOTOH MUSEUM 五島美術館
* Famous Swords, 2/20-3/28, 2010
* The Beauty of Painting, 4/3-5/9, 2010
* The Beauty of Calligraphy, 5/15-6/20, 2010
* The Beauty of Ceramics, 6/26-8/8, 2010
* The Beauty of Tea Implements, 8/28-10/24, 2010
* The Tale of Genji Narrative Handscrolls, 11/3-11/28, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/exhibition/schedule.html



HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
* Beauty of Japan - Pottery in Kaiseki - Mukozuke and Hachi, 1/23-3/22, 2010
* The Beauty of the Tea Ceremony, 4/10-6/20, 2010
* Themes of Cooling Off in Summer: Paintings, Calligraphy, and Ceramics, 7/31-/9/20, 2010
* Tea Bowls Favored by Oribe, 10/9-12/19, 2010
* Sakai Hōitsu and the Beauty of Rinpa, 1/22-3/21, 2011
* 2009 Exhibition Schedule in English




IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館
* Major Works of Japanese Ceramics, 1/9-3/22, 2010
* The Beauty of Japan III: The Pleasures of Tea, 4/3-6/6/, 2010
* The Beauty of Japan IV: The World of Screen Paintings, 6/12-/7/25, 2010
* Venus in Japanese Art: Beautiful Women in Ukiyoe and Early Modern Paintings, 7/31-9/12, 2010
* Zengai: Zen and Humor, 9/18-11/3, 2010
* Becoming Intimate with Ceramics VIII: The Way of the Tea Bowl, 11/13-12/23, 2010
* The Arts of the Rinpa School, 1/8-3/21, 2011
* Tokyo 2010 Schedule (in Japanese)




ITABASHI ART MUSEUM 板橋区美術館
* Ukiyoe from Bologna 浮世絵の死角, 2/27-3/28, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.itabashiartmuseum.jp/art/schedule/index.html
ACCESS: 15 min walk from Nishitakashimadaira Stn on the Mita subway line, 22 min walk from the Shimoakazuka Stn on the Tobu Tojo line, 25 min walk from the Eidan Akatuska Stn on the Yurakucho line, see Map




JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM 民芸館
* Baskets and Straw Works, 1/6-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in English): http://www.mingeikan.or.jp/english/html/exhibitions-events-mingeikan.html?blog_id=517729
ACCESS: Komaba Todaimae stn on the Inokashira line from Shibuya
MAP




KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY 神奈川県立歴史博物館
* Paintings and Documents of Modern Japanese Architecture I: Kanagawa Prefecture, 2/20-3/28, 2010
* Paintings and Documents of Modern Japanese Architecture II: Bank Architecture, 4/3-4/9, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://ch.kanagawa-museum.jp/tenji/nenkan/nenkan.html




KANAZAWA BUNKO MUSEUM　神奈川県立金沢文庫
* Paintings from the Kanazawa Bunko Collection, 2/18-4/18, 2010
* The Tea Ceremony of Kamakura, Land of the Samurai, 4/22-6/27, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.planet.pref.kanagawa.jp/city/bunko/kalenda.htm


Access: 神奈川県立金沢文庫
Nearby Japanese Style Restaurant: ふみくら茶屋
* Click map to enlarge




MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM 三井記念美術館
* Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family, February 16, 2010 - April 4, 2010
* Favorite Artworks of Tokugawa Ieyasu, 4/14-/6/20, 2010
* Nara temples and Buddhist Sculpture, 7/7-9/20, 2010
* Maruyama Ōkyō, 10/9-11/28, 2010
* Famous Works of the Muromachi Period from the Mitsui Collection, 12/3/2010-1/29/2011
* Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family, 2/10-4/3, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition_03.html



NEZU INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS 根津美術館
* REOPENED OCT 7th, 2009
* Inner Landscapes and the Spirit of Zen Calligraphy, 3/13-4/18, 2010



OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* "Edo seen by Ryoma -Scenery in the Late Edo Period", March 2nd〜26th, 2010
* "The World of One Hundred Famous Views of Edo by Utagawa Hiroshige," 4/1-5/26, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/H20schedule.html



SEIKADO BUNKO ART MUSEUM 静嘉堂文庫美術館
* Famous Tea Implements, 2/6-3/22, 2010
* Samurai Culture: Swords and Decorative Arts from the Collection, 4/10-5/30, 2010
* The Beauty of Brocade Prints: The World of Utagawa Kunisada and Hiroshige, 6/12-8/8, 2010
* Famous Works of Chinese Ceramics, 9/25-12/5, 2010
* Dools from the Iwasaki Collection, 2/5-3/21, 2011
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.seikado.or.jp/sub0203.htm



SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF ART 静岡県立美術館
* Ito Jakuchu: Another World, 4/10-5/16, 2009
伊藤若冲 −アナザーワールド−
* Exhibition Schedule 2010 (in Japanese)
http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/japanese/exhibition/kikaku/2010/
Access: http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/english/access/




SUNTORY MUSEUM OF ART サントリー美術館
* Japanese Glass: Stylish Vessels, Playful Shapes, Saturday 27 March to Sunday 23 May 2010
* Elegance and Esprit Noh and Kyōgen Masterpieces from the National Noh Theatre Collection, Saturday 12 June to Sunday 25 July 2010
* Nabeshima Ware: Designs that Inspire Pride, Wednesday 11 August to Monday (holiday) 11 October 2010
* Tsutaya Jūzaburo: The Publisher who Discovered Utamaro and Sharaku, Wednesday (holiday) 3 November to Sunday 19 December 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/exhibition/index.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/sma/exhibition/future.html


TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (Tobikan) 東京都美術館
* Galleria Borghese, 1/16-4/4, 2010
ボルゲーゼ美術館展
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.tobikan.jp/museum/main.html



TOKYO METROPOLITAN TEIEN ART MUSEUM 東京都庭園美術館
* Art Deco in the Former Prince Asaka Residence, 3/25-4/11, 2010
* Aleksandr Rodchenko & Varvara Stepanove: Visions of Construction, 4/24-6/20, 2010
* Tosio Arimoto: Celestial Music, 7/3-9/5, 2010
* Perfume World, 9/18-11/28, 2010
* Art Deco in the Former Prince Asaka Residence, 12/11/2010-1/16/2011
* Typography Poster, 1/29-3/27, 2011
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/exhibition/e_index.html
Access: http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/info/e_access.html




TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* Hasegawa Tohaku: 400th Memorial Perspective, 2/23-3/22, 2010
* The Hosokawa Family Eisei Bunko Collection, Tuesday, April 20 - Sunday, June 6, 2010
* The Birth of Chinese Civilization , Tuesday, July 6 - Sunday, September 5, 2010
* The 1250th Memorial of Empress Komyo: Todaiji Temple and Monuments of Tenpyo Culture, Friday, October 8 - Sunday, December 12, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.tnm.jp/en/exhibition/regular/en_one_year.html





UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
* Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido, 3/6-3/28, 2010 物語でたどる もう一つの東海道
* Famous Places of Edo: Spring and Summer Prints, 4/3-4/15, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese): http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2009exhibition/schedule2009.html
Access: LaLaport Toyosu




YAMATANE MUSEUM 山種美術館
* Taikan in the East vs Seiho in the West, 2/6-3/28, 2010
* The 120th Anniversary of Okumura Togyū, 4/3-5/23, 2010
* Gateway to Ukiyoe: The Entire Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaidô Road by Utagawa Hiroshige, 5/29-7/11, 2010
* Considering Edo Painting: Court Ladies Enjoying Wayside Chrysanthemums”by Iwasa Matabei, 7/17-9/5, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/exh_schedule.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html#menu4
New Location and Access


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives


* For access from your (Japanese) cellphone, email the link below to your cellphone, after opening the email on your cellphone, click on the link, and save it to your cellphone favorites.

http://blog.m.livedoor.jp/auberginefleur/index.cgi

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Tokyo Area Exhibitions, March 2009: AF's Picks 東京周辺の展覧会（私の好み）

OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* "Edo seen by Ryoma -Scenery in the Late Edo Period", March 2nd〜26th, 2010
* 『龍馬の見た江戸　-幕末の風景-』2010年3月2日（火）〜3月26日（金）(3月8、15、23日は休館)　
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/H20schedule.html




YAYOI-YUMEJI MUSEUM 弥生美術館・竹久夢二美術館
Access (in English): http://www.yayoi-yumeji-museum.jp/visit/guide.html

YUMEJI MUSEUM

* The World of Takehisa Yumeji and Taisho Romance, 1/3-3/28, 2010
竹久夢二と大正ロマンの世界
Event: Gallery Talk by Curator, 2/14 from 3:00

YAYOI MUSEUM

* Hirezaki Eiho: Meiji-Taisho Illustrations, 1/3-3/28, 2010
鰭崎英朋(ひれざきえいほう)展−明治・大正の挿絵界を生きる



MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM 三井記念美術館
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese):
http://www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition_03.html

* Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family, February 16, 2010 - April 4, 2010

“Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family marks its fifth exhibition this year. In this exhibition, dolls and furniture once belonging to Motoko(1869-1946), the wife of Mitsui Takamine(10th generation head of the Kita Mitsui family); and Toshiko(1901-1976), the wife of Mitsui Takakimi(11th generation head), are on display together with gorgeous hina dolls on a tiered stand formerly possessed by Ms. Asano Hisako, the only daughter of Takakimi.

The exhibition this year also features newly donated hina dolls once belonging to Okiko(1900-1980), the wife of Mitsui Takahisa(9th generation head of the Isarago Mitsui family). The display of new donations features four exhibits of dolls made by ?ki Heiz? ��(1860-1939), master craftsman of the doll shop Maruhei in Kyoto together with silver miniature furniture.

In exhibition room 7, new donations of ceramics once belonging to the Muromachi Mitsui family are on display for the first time.

From our collection, a Spring assortment of tea utensils are on display in exhibition room 1-3, and Swedish stamps collected by Mitsui Takaharu(10th generation head of the Minami Mitsui family) are also on display in exhibition room 6.

We hope you enjoy the glorious spring festival of Hinamatsuri at this historic location in the Nihonbashi Muromachi area where there used to be a hina doll market at this time of year during the Edo period.”

NEZU INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS 根津美術館
The Nezu Museum is newly reopened after a long period of being closed for renovation

* Inner Landscapes and the Spirit of Zen Calligraphy, 3/13-4/18, 2010





TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.tnm.jp/en/exhibition/regular/
en_one_year.html

* Hasegawa Tohaku: 400th Memorial Perspective, 2/23-3/22, 2010

“The year 2010 marks the 400th memorial of Hasegawa Tohaku (1539-1610), the master painter of the Momoyama period. As the artist of Japanese treasures such as the ink painting Pine Trees (National Treasure, Tokyo National Museum) and the colorful Maple Tree (National Treasure, Chishaku-in Temple), Tohaku rivaled his contemporary Kano Eitoku who reigned over the painting circle of their time. Born in Nanao on the Noto Peninsula, Tohaku started his career under the sobriquet Nobuharu. In his thirties, he moved to the then capital Kyoto and worked on a wide range of themes from Buddhist paintings to portraits to birds and flowers-at times, executing a subtle touch, while at other times, wielding a bold brush. Later, he came to be favored by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The works Tohaku painted until his death at age 72 preserve their color and force and continue to enchant his viewers even today. The stories of his turbulent life and the episodes which describe his truly human character are also what fascinate us about this unique artist.

This major retrospective of Hasegawa Tohaku will cover a wide range of his paintings beginning with his early works, when he went by the sobriquet Harunobu in his hometown of Nanao, to the numerous masterpieces, which he painted in Kyoto under the name Tohaku and which adorned Daitoku-ji and other famous Kyoto temples. Tohaku's masterpieces, which transmit the beat of the Momoyama period, and the human drama that led to their creation will be presented in commemoration of this artist who lived 400 years ago.”

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* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives


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20,000 Year Old Human Bones Found in Okinawa

Photo Caption: 国内最古の人骨 沖縄 石垣島で出土 共同通信 [2/4 13:38]


Oldest Human Bones Found in Japan, excavated from Ishigaki Island in Okinawa. Kyodo News.[2/4 13:38]



沖縄県 石垣島の白保竿根田原洞穴から出土した 約1万8千年前の性別不明の成人の中足骨
2万年前の男性頭骨片が出土 沖縄 石垣島の洞穴 直接分析で国内最古の人骨 県などが発掘調査

"Excavated from the (白保竿根田原) cave on the Ishigaki Island of Okinawa, include an approx. 18,000 BP adult foot bone of unclear gender and approx. 20,000 BP adult male calf bone. The various bone fragments excavated from the cave on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, are the oldest human bones yet found in Japan, as announced by the prefectural government bureau."


See also:

Some of Japan's oldest human bones found on Ishigaki Island

直接分析で国内最古の人骨　沖縄・石垣島の洞穴で出土

Ryoma's Era Photographs: Exhibition at FujiFilm Square

Tracing the Life and Times of Ryoma Sakamoto Through Photos
Date：Saturday, January 16 - Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:00 - 19:00

写真で辿る『坂本龍馬の生きた時代』
開催期間：2010年1月16日（土）〜2010年2月25日（木）

Ryoma Sakamoto was a leading innovator during the turbulent period that spanned the late Edo Period and Meiji Restoration of 1868. After fleeing his home in Tosa domain (present-day Kochi Prefecture), Sakamoto founded the Kameyamashachu, a trading company and political organization, and worked tirelessly to bring together the powerful Satsuma and Choshu clans to restore Imperial rule and bring about a new era of Japanese history.

Although Sakamoto was assassinated in his prime at the age of 33, countless novels have been written about his exploits and several movies have been made of his life. His fame lives on to the present day, and he is often cited as the most admirable figure in Japanese history by the people of Japan.

The exhibition depicts the life and times of Ryoma Sakamoto through a series of photographs of people, places and customs of the Edo period along with a collection Sakamoto's personal letters and possessions, which have been kindly provided by the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum.

This tumultuous period of Japanese history coincided with the introduction of photographic technology into Japan, and for the first time ever it became possible to capture images of the world as it really was rather than relying on artists' depictions. It may be even be said that the era saw the dawn of the culture of photography in Japan as well as heralding the beginning of Japan's period of modern history. We are pleased to welcome one and all to come and experience the power of photography to revive memories of a bygone age.


Lecture:

歴ドル美甘子と学ぶ！「坂本龍馬 幕末歴史検定」事前対策講座
開催日：2010年2月6日（土）14：00〜15：30 .

Lecture on Ryoma's Times by History-Buff cum Idol, Mikako

Mikako is one of the famous girl history-idols, called Rekijo or Rekidoru in Japanese. She majored in Japanese language and literature at Senshū University, and has now published several books (which I have not read).

This recent fad has probably been spurred on by handsome guys playing the roles recently in NHK Taiga dramas and other TV shows. Bookstores are also now catering to this new customer base of young girls interested in history. I have even seen a documentary TV show in Japan on this new phenomenon. Personally though, I still find the history magazines written for men to be better sources, with more information distilled in easily digestible form. My impression is that though the publishers wish to cater to these young girls, they still assume they are dumb bunnies and do not provide meaningful materials.

Books published by Mikako:
2009年6月 「歴女　私の愛する戦国武将（ビジネス社）」
2009年9月 「戦国武将とお姫様の残酷物語（光文社）」
2009年11月「龍馬はなぜあんなにモテたのか（ベストブック）」


Access:
5 minutes walk from Roppongi Station on the Hibiya Line (Exit 4a)
Directly linked to Roppongi Station on the Oedo Line by exit 8
5 minutes walk from Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Line (Exit 3)


Related Links:

New wave of 'history girls' wooed by warlords' masculinity (Mainichi Japan) June 14, 2009

Rekijo and Rekidol (Kiyomi Kambe on June 20th, 2009)

What do you do when you get lost in NYC?

Go to exhibitions on Asian art, of course.

Serizawa: Master of Japanese Textile Design
Friday, October 9 — Sunday, January 17

"Living National Treasure Serizawa Keisuke (1895–1984) used stencil-dyeing techniques to create irresistible works of art that range from screens and kimonos to book covers and magazine designs. The combination of Serizawa’s originality and vitality with the natural beauty of his materials—cotton, silk, hemp, and other fibers decorated with the brilliant yet warm hues of natural dyes—will make this show an unmissable visual feast."




Visions of the Cosmos
December 11, 2009 - May 10, 2010

"Visions of the Cosmos juxtaposes Eastern and Western conceptions of the universe through approximately 70 works, including sculptures, paintings, illuminated manuscripts, rare books and prints from American and European collections, and photographs of the galaxies taken largely by the Hubble Space Telescope. Visions of the Cosmos marks the first opportunity for visitors to compare European works with the museum's Himalayan art collection."

Exhibition of the Treasures of Komyoji and Pure Land Art 大本山光明寺と浄土教美術

* Click images to enlarge flyer.

Exhibition of the Treasures of Kōmyōji and Pure Land Art
大本山光明寺と浄土教美術−法然上人八百年大御忌記念−

Venue: Kamakura Museum 鎌倉国宝館
Dates: 10/23-11/29, 2009
Access: 12 min. walk from JR Kamakura Stn. or Enoden Kamakura Stn.
Map: (in Japanese)

Kansai Area Museums

* HOSOMI MUSEUM 細身美術館
Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.emuseum.or.jp/exhibition/next_exhi.html



* IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ART (OSAKA)
This museum closed forever on 3/23/2006



*KOBE CITY KOISO MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 神戸市立小磯記念美術館
Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/57/
koiso_museum/tenrankai/schedule.html



* KOBE CITY MUSEUM 神戸市立博物館
Exhibition (in Japanese): http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/57/museum/tokuten/schedule.html



* KYOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM 京都国立博物館
Exhibition Schedule in Japanese: http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/jp/tenji/korekara/index.html





* KYOTO MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF ART 京都市美術
Exhibtion Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/kmma/exhibition/index.html



* MIHO MUSEUM
Exhibition Schedule in English:
http://www.miho.jp/english/inform/new.htm
Exhibition Schedule in Japanese: http://www.miho.jp/japanese/inform/schedule2008.htm



* THE MUSEUM OF KYOTO 京都文化博物館
Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.bunpaku.or.jp/exhi_future.html



* MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, SHIGA　滋賀県立近代美術館
Exhibition Schedule in English:
http://www.shiga-kinbi.jp/english/E-exhibition.html



* NARA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF ART 奈良県立美術館
Exhibition Schedule in Japanese:
(平成18年度展覧会予定)



* NARA NATIONAL MUSEUM 奈良国立博物館
Exhibition Schedule in English:
http://www.narahaku.go.jp/exhib/exhi-index_e.htm



* THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, KYOTO 京都国立近代美術館
Exhibition Schedule in English:

Exhibition Schedule in Japanese:
企画展



* OSAKA MUSEUM OF HISTORY 大阪歴史博物館
Exhibition Schedule in Japanese:
平成１８年度年間行事予定
Exhibition Schedule in English



* OSAKA MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF ART 大阪市立美術館
In Japanese:
Special Exhibitions
Exhibition Schedule in Japanese



* OTSU CITY MUSEUM OF HISTORY 大津市歴史博物館
Exhibition schedule in Japanese:
http://www.rekihaku.otsu.shiga.jp/kikaku/kikakuten.html#KIKAKU40



* YAMATO BUNKAKAN 大和文華館
Exhibition schedule in Japanese:
http://www.kintetsu.jp/kouhou/yamato/schedule/index.html




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* See also "Kyoto Latest Information Arts" at
http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/information_en/index.php/arts.html

New Otani Exhibition on Ukiyoe Prints and Kosode Kimono 肉筆浮世絵と江戸のフャッション

New Otani Art Museum ニューオータニ美術館
10/3-11/23, 2009
Townswomen Fashion: Kosode and Ukiyo-e Paintings in the Edo Period 肉筆浮世絵と江戸のフャッション　　町人女性の美意識

* Lecture: The Fashion of Edo Townswomen
『江戸町人女性のファッション〜華やかさから「粋」へ』
Lecturer: Prof. Nagasaki
Time: 10/25 (Sun), 14:00〜15:30
Location: New Otani Garden Court, 5th Fl.
Fee: 500 yen
Reservation: 03-3221-4115

* Gallery Talks by Museum Curator
ギャラリートーク (当館学芸員)
10/17 (Sat) and 11/7 (Sat)
From 14:00

Access Map (Click to enlarge)





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Tokyo Area Exhibitions, Fall-Winter 2009 東京の美術展覧会 秋

CHIBA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 千葉市美術館
Of interest:
* Famous Woodblock Prints of the Meiji Period, 2/9-2/21, 2010
For others, see:
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibition_02.html




EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 江戸東京博物館
* The Rebirth of Ukiyo-e: Taisho Period Shin-Hanga Prints, 9/19-11/8, 2009
* Ikebana: Coloring the History of Japanese Beauty, 11/23/2009-1/17/2010
* Genghis Khan and the Tresures of the Mongols, 2/2/-4/11, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/kikaku/index.html



Eisei Bunko 永青文庫
* Huang Tingjian and Song Dynasty Calligraphy, 9/19-12/27, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.eiseibunko.com/exhibition.html




GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
* Selected Oil Paintings from the University Painting Department, 10/2-11/23, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729




THE GOTOH MUSEUM 五島美術館
* Fall Exhibition: Paintings, Calligraphy, and Korean Cermaics, 8/28-10/18, 2009
* Jewels of Literature and Illustrated Book, 10/24-11/29
* Tea Implements, 12/5/2009-2/14/2010
* Famous Swords, 2/20-3/28, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/exhibition/schedule.html



HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
* Generals in Sengoku Period and Tea Ceremony: Focused on Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, 10/10-12/20, 2009
* Beauty of Japan - Pottery in Kaiseki - Mukozuke and Hachi, 1/23-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule in English




IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館
* Basho: "Oku no Hosomichi" and Onward, 9/19-10/18, 2009
* Utopia: Images of Dreams and Paradise, 10/31-12/20, 2009
* Major Works of Japanese Ceramics, 1/9-3/22, 2010
* Tokyo 2009 Schedule (in Japanese)




ITABASHI ART MUSEUM 板橋区美術館
* 元禄風流子 英一蝶の画業, 9/5-10/12, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.itabashiartmuseum.jp/art/schedule/index.html
ACCESS: 15 min walk from Nishitakashimadaira Stn on the Mita subway line, 22 min walk from the Shimoakazuka Stn on the Tobu Tojo line, 25 min walk from the Eidan Akatuska Stn on the Yurakucho line, see Map




JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM 民芸館
* The World of Soetsu Yanagi, 9/8-11/19, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in English): http://www.mingeikan.or.jp/english/html/exhibitions-events-mingeikan.html?blog_id=517729
ACCESS: Komaba Todaimae stn on the Inokashira line from Shibuya
MAP




KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY 神奈川県立歴史博物館
* Nichiren and Kamakura, 10/17-11/29, 2009
* Moderen Japanese Architecture Seen in Paintings and Documents, 2/20-3/28, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://ch.kanagawa-museum.jp/tenji/nenkan/nenkan.html




KANAZAWA BUNKO MUSEUM　神奈川県立金沢文庫
* Date Masamune and Samurai Culture, 10/9-12/6, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.planet.pref.kanagawa.jp/city/bunko/kalenda.htm


Access: 神奈川県立金沢文庫
Nearby Japanese Style Restaurant: ふみくら茶屋
* Click map to enlarge



MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM 三井記念美術館
* Takahashi Seiichiro Collection of Ukiyo-e Prints, 9/19-11/23, 2009
* Zenshin's Lacquerware and Paintings, 12/5/2009-2/7/2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition_03.html




NEZU INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS 根津美術館
The Nezu Museum is presently closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen in Fall of 2009.
* REOPENS OCT 7TH



OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* Genealogy of Famous Actors: Kabuki in Late Edo, Meji, and Now, 9/1-9/26, 2009
* Edo Gardening Flowers, 10/1-11/26, 2009
* Snow Scenery depicted in Ukiyo-e, December, 2009
Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/H20schedule.html




SEIKADO BUNKO ART MUSEUM 静嘉堂文庫美術館
* The World of the Tale of Genji, 9/12-10/12, 2009
* Ink Paintings: The Beauty of Brush and Ink II, 10/24-12/20, 2009
* Famous Tea Implements, 2/6-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)http://www.seikado.or.jp/sub0203.htm



SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF ART 静岡県立美術館
* The World of the Kano School of Painting, 9/10-10/18, 2009
* Western Style Paintings and Sculptures by Japanese Artists, 10/24-11/8, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule 2009 (in Japanese)
http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/japanese/exhibition/kikaku/2009/
Access: http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/english/access/



SUNTORY MUSEUM OF ART サントリー美術館
* Washi: Paper in Life--Decoration and Form, 9/19-11/3, 2009
* Kiyokata's Nostalgia, 11/18/2009-1/11/2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/exhibition/index.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/sma/exhibition/future.html


TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (Tobikan) 東京都美術館
* Classical Poetry from the Reizei Collection, 10/24-12/20, 2009
Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.tobikan.jp/museum/main.html



TOKYO METROPOLITAN TEIEN ART MUSEUM 東京都庭園美術館
* Ko-Imari Ware in Paris: Enchanting Beauty, 10/10-12/23, 2009
* Macchiaoli, 1/16-3/14, 2010
* Art Deco in the Former Prince Asaka Residence, 3/25-4/11, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/exhibition/e_index.html
Access: http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/info/e_access.html




TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* Zhao Zhiqian and Artworks of the Late Qing Dynasty, August 4 - September 27, 2009
* Treasures of the Imperial Collections - Splendor of Japanese Art, Part 1: October 6 - November 3, 2009; Part 2: November 12 - 29, 2009
* Hasegawa Tohaku: 400th Memorial Perspective, 2/23-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.tnm.jp/en/exhibition/regular/en_one_year.html





UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
* Hokusai's Manga, 10/3-11/15, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese): http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2009exhibition/schedule2009.html
Access: LaLaport Toyosu




YAMATANE MUSEUM 山種美術館
* Temporarily Closed for the Preparation of Opening the New Yamatane Museum of Art, 7/27-9/30
* Hayami Gyoshū: Eternal Challenges to Nihonga, 10/1-11/29, 2009
* Higashiyama Kaii and Nihonga in Shōwa Period, 12/5/2009-1/31/2010
* Taikan in the East vs Seiho in the West, 2/6-3/28, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/exh_schedule.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html#menu4
New Location and Access


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* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives


* For access from your (Japanese) cellphone, email the link below to your cellphone, after opening the email on your cellphone, click on the link, and save it to your cellphone favorites.

http://blog.m.livedoor.jp/auberginefleur/index.cgi

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The power of dogu: ceramic figures from ancient Japan

10 September - 22 November 2009
British Museum in London, Room 91
The power of dogu: ceramic figures from ancient Japan


Masked dogū from Nakappara, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. 1500-1000 BC.
On loan from the Chino City Board of Education.
Designated 'Important Cultural Property' by the Japanese Government.


This exhibition highlights the beauty and power of remarkable ceramic figures known as dogu, mysterious masterpieces that were produced in great numbers in prehistoric Japan.

Dogu, the abstract clay figurines from prehistoric Japan, have recognizably human and animal features and come in a variety of shapes, some painted or covered with lacquer. The most important Jomon dogu have been designated as National Treasures in Japan, and this is the first time they have been brought together in a single English-language exhibition and publication, presenting much previously unpublished material and featuring loans from several different Japanese collections.

Dogu are from the earliest-dated tradition of pottery manufacture in the world, dating to the prehistoric Jomon period, which began 16,000 years ago. Most of the figures in the exhibition are from about 2500 BC to 1000 BC (the Middle and Late Jomon periods) and show the development of the sculptural form over time.


Events related to the exhibition
All gallery talks are 13.15 in Room 91
Free, just drop in

Dogu design: invitation to ancient Japan
Tuesday 15 September
By Mr Masayuki Harada
This talk is in Japanese

The power of dogu: ceramic figures from ancient Japan
Wednesday 21 October
By Simon Kaner

Dogu and Jomon rituals
Wednesday 4 November
By Simon Kaner

Development of dogu through time and space
Friday 20 November
By Doi Takashi and Simon Kaner
This talk is in English and Japanese


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Family event
Japanese dogu figures
Saturday 19 September, 11.30, 13.30 and 15.30
Ford Young Visitor Centre
Free, just drop in


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Symposium
Dogu: ancient art and modern inspiration
Saturday 7 November, 10.00–17.30
Free, booking advised
Co-organised with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures



* LATEST TOKYO AREA EXHIBITIONS FALL-WINTER 2009

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Tokyo Area Exhibitions, Summer 2009 東京の美術展覧会

CHIBA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 千葉市美術館
* The Beauty of Textiles from Thailand, 6/27-8/9, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibition_02.html




EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 江戸東京博物館
* Never Before Seen: Sharaku Nikuhitsu Paintings, 7/4-9/6, 2009
* The Rebirth of Ukiyo-e: Taisho Period Shin-Hanga Prints, 9/19-11/8, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/kikaku/index.html




Eisei Bunko 永青文庫
* Shirasu Masaka & Hosokawa Moritatsu, 6/29-9/13, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese): http://www.eiseibunko.com/exhibition.html




GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館
* The Passion for Collecting: Selected Works from the Museum Collection, 7/4-8/16, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729




THE GOTOH MUSEUM 五島美術館
* Mukotsuke: Dishes of Cuisine for the Tea Ceremony, 6/27-7/26, 2009
* Museum Closed, 7/27-8/27, 2009
* Fall Exhibition: Paintings, Calligraphy, and Korean Cermaics, 8/28-10/18, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/tenrankai/index.html



HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART 畠山記念館
* New charm of Hatakeyama Collection: Tang three color glaze ware, Portrait of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and so on, 8/1-9/23, 2009
* Generals in Sengoku Period and Tea Ceremony: Focused on Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, 10/10-12/20, 2009
* Beauty of Japan - Pottery in Kaiseki - Mukozuke and Hachi, 1/23-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule in English




IDEMITSU MUSEUM OF ARTS 出光美術館
* The Poetry of Japanese Yamatoe Paintings, 6/6-7/20
* Enjoying Ceramics VII: Chinese Han and Tang Dynasty Ware, 8/1-9/6, 2009
* Basho: "Oku no Hosomichi" and Onward, 9/19-10/18, 2009
* Utopia: Images of Dreams and Paradise, 10/31-12/20, 2009
* Major Works of Japanese Ceramics, 1/9-3/22, 2010
* Tokyo 2009 Schedule (in Japanese)




ITABASHI ART MUSEUM 板橋区美術館
* Italian Surrealism in Japan, 7/11-8/16
* Hokusai Nikuhitsu Paintings, 9/6-10/13, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese) http://www.city.itabashi.tokyo.jp/art/schedule/now.html?blog_id=517729
ACCESS: 15 min walk from Nishitakashimadaira Stn on the Mita subway line, 22 min walk from the Shimoakazuka Stn on the Tobu Tojo line, 25 min walk from the Eidan Akatuska Stn on the Yurakucho line, see Map



JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM 民芸館
* Western Furniture, 6/23-8/16, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in English): http://www.mingeikan.or.jp/english/html/exhibitions-events-mingeikan.html?blog_id=517729
ACCESS: Komaba Todaimae stn on the Inokashira line from Shibuya
MAP




KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY 神奈川県立歴史博物館
* Edo Period Maps, 6/27-8/9, 2009
* Fukuzawa Yuichi and Kanagawa, 「福澤諭吉と神奈川」8/22-9/23, 2009
* Nichiren and Kamakura, 10/17-11/29, 2009
* Moderen Japanese Architecture Seen in Paintings and Documents, 2/20-3/28, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://ch.kanagawa-museum.jp/tenji/nenkan/nenkan.html




KANAZAWA BUNKO MUSEUM　神奈川県立金沢文庫
* Six Bay Cities of the Japanese Medieval Period, 6/11-8/2, 2009
* Yokohama and Kanazawa from Late Edo to Meiji, 8/6-10/4, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.planet.pref.kanagawa.jp/city/bunko/kalenda.htm


Access: 神奈川県立金沢文庫
Nearby Japanese Style Restaurant: ふみくら茶屋
* Click map to enlarge



MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM 三井記念美術館
* The Arts of Daoism, 7/11-9/6, 2009
* Takahashi Seiichiro Collection of Ukiyo-e Prints, 9/19-11/23, 2009
* Zenshin's Lacquerware and Paintings, 12/5/2009-2/7/2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition_03.html




NEZU INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS 根津美術館
The Nezu Museum is presently closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen in Fall of 2009.
* REOPENS OCT 7TH



OTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF ART 太田記念美術館
* Let's travel to the Edo Period, 7/1-8/26, 2009
* Genealogy of Famous Actors: Kabuki in Late Edo, Meji, and Now, 9/1-9/26, 2009
Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/display08eng.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/display07.html



SEIKADO BUNKO ART MUSEUM 静嘉堂文庫美術館
* Tang Dynasty Tricolor Ware Ceramics, 5/30-7/26, 2009
* The World of the Tale of Genji, 9/12-10/12, 2009
* Ink Paintings: The Beauty of Brush and Ink II, 10/24-12/20, 2009
* Famous Tea Implements, 2/6-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)http://www.seikado.or.jp/sub0203.htm



SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM OF ART 静岡県立美術館
* Paul Klee and East Asia, 7/14-8/30, 2009
* The World of the Kano School of Painting, 9/10-10/18, 2009
* Western Style Paintings and Sculptures by Japanese Artists, 10/24-11/8, 2009
* Exhibition Schedule 2009 (in Japanese)
http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/japanese/exhibition/kikaku/2009/
Access: http://www.spmoa.shizuoka.shizuoka.jp/english/access/



SUNTORY MUSEUM OF ART サントリー美術館
* Tenchijin (NHK Taiga Drama): The Life and Times of Naoe Kanetsugu, 5/30-7/12, 2009
* Japanese and Asian Art from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, 7/25-9/6, 2009
* Washi: Paper in Life--Decoration and Form, 9/19-11/3, 2009
* Kiyokata's Nostalgia, 11/18/2009-1/11/2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese)
http://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/exhibition/index.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/sma/exhibition/future.html


TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (Tobikan) 東京都美術館
* Ancient Egypt in Torino, 8/1-10/4, 2009
* Classical Poetry from the Reizei Collection, 10/24-12/20, 2009
Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.tobikan.jp/museum/main.html



TOKYO METROPOLITAN TEIEN ART MUSEUM 東京都庭園美術館
* Stitch by Stitch: Traces Made with Needle and Thread, 7/18-9/27, 2009
* Ko-Imari Ware in Paris: Enchanting Beauty, 10/10-12/23, 2009
* Macchiaoli, 1/16-3/14, 2010
* Art Deco in the Former Prince Asaka Residence, 3/25-4/11, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/exhibition/e_index.html
Access: http://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/info/e_access.html




TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM 東京国立博物館
* Ise Jingu and Treasures of Shinto, 7/14-9/6, 2009
* Hasegawa Tohaku: 400th Memorial Perspective, 2/23-3/22, 2010
* Exhibition schedule (in English): http://www.tnm.jp/en/exhibition/regular/en_one_year.html





UKIYO-e TOKYO 浮世絵美術館 (Formerly Riccar Museum)
* Summer in Edo: Evening Cool on The Sumidagwa River, 8/1-8/30, 2009
* Ukiyo-e Images of the Moon, 9/5-9/27, 2009
* Exhibition schedule (in Japanese): http://www.ukiyoe-tokyo.or.jp/2009exhibition/schedule2009.html
Access: LaLaport Toyosu




YAMATANE MUSEUM 山種美術館
* Uemura Shōen and Bijinga – Female Beauty in Japanese Paintings –, 5/23-7/26, 2009
* Temporarily Closed for the Preparation of Opening the New Yamatane Museum of Art, 7/27-9/30
* Hayami Gyoshū: Eternal Challenges to Nihonga, 10/1-11/29, 2009
* Higashiyama Kaii and Nihonga in Shōwa Period, 12/5/2009-1/31/2010
* Taikan in the East vs Seiho in the West, 2/6-3/28, 2010
* Exhibition Schedule (in Japanese) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/exh_schedule.html
* Exhibition Schedule (in English)
http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html#menu4
* Yahoo Map




* Exhibitions Elsewhere and Previous Listings on this Site: "Exhibitions in Japan" Archives


* For access from your (Japanese) cellphone, email the link below to your cellphone, after opening the email on your cellphone, click on the link, and save it to your cellphone favorites.

http://blog.m.livedoor.jp/auberginefleur/index.cgi

Screen Painting Identified as by Hasegawa Himself

Striking Gold

(Mainichi Photo Journal)

A gilded folding screen, recently identified as a genuine work by painter Tohaku Hasegawa (1539-1610), is pictured at the Biwako Bunka-kan museum in Otsu. The screen is part of the private collection of an individual in Kyoto and is deposited at the museum. The screen had been believed to be a work by a painter of the Hasegawa school, but an expert recently analyzed it and identified it as a work hand painted by Hasegagwa himself. The screen, which measures 153.7 centimeters in length and 349.8 centimeters in width, depicts beautiful flowers and birds.

Amamonzeki: Treasures of the Japanese Imperial Convents

I would like to bring this wonderful exbihition, curated by a personal friend, to everyone's attention. My friend has long been researching visual cultural artifacts (i.e. art) produced by nuns, mostly those related to the imperial family, and associated art objects sponsored by imperial abbesses. Please see the exhibition if you have time and opportunity.

Exhibition: Amamonzeki (Temples with Imperial Abesses)
A Hidden Heritage: Treasures of the Japanese Imperial Convents

Venue: GEIDAI DAIGAKU BIJUTSUKAN 東京芸術大学大学美術館

Exhibition Schedule: 4/14-6/14, 2008

Museum Homepage: http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/information/information_en.htm

Exhibition URL: http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/exhibit/current_exhibitions_ja.htm?blog_id=517729

Exhibition URL English: http://www.geidai.ac.jp/museum/exhibit/current_exhibitions_en.htm


*click images for full-scale of exhibition flyers.

Buson Painting Rediscovered in Hiroshima

A large scale screen painting by the Japanese literati poet-painter Yosa Buson (1716-1783) was just rediscovered at the Mori Museum in Hiroshima. Long thought lost, it is on display for the first time in 76 years.

News articles in Japanese below:

蕪村の屏風絵「名士言行図」、報道陣に公開…広島

（2009年3月26日22時30分 読売新聞）
　広島県廿日市(はつかいち)市の「海の見える杜(もり)美術館」所蔵の屏風(びょうぶ)絵が、江戸時代の俳人・画家、与謝蕪村（１７１６〜８３年）の「名士言行図」とわかり、２６日、報道陣に公開された。

　六曲一双（縦約１・７メートル、横計約７・５メートル）。中国の故事を題材に、出世した弟子たちが引退する師にあいさつする交流の場面などを描いている。

　１９３２年以降、行方不明だったが、同美術館が２００５年に京都市の画商から購入、落款などから真作と確認された。

　８月２３日〜９月２７日に同美術館で公開される。

７６年ぶり蕪村の幻の大作発見　「名士言行図」、広島県の美術館

さきがけon the Web （2009/03/26 14:08 更新）

江戸中期に日本の文人画を大成した与謝蕪村（１７１６−８３年）の屏風絵で、長く行方不明だった大作が広島県内の美術館に未公開のまま所蔵されていることが２６日、分かった。所在が公になるのは７６年ぶり。専門家は「蕪村が円熟する一歩手前の高揚期の作品で、（この時期としては）文句なしに傑作」と評価。保存状態も極めて良く、制作時の鮮やかな色使いを伝える点でも貴重だという。

　作品は蕪村が数えで５５歳の１７７０年に制作した「名士言行図」。六曲一双（縦約１・７メートル、横計約７・５メートル）の屏風で中国の故事を題材に師弟の交情を色彩豊かに描き、基となった漢文を画面の端に記している。

　広島県廿日市市の「海の見える杜美術館」が４年前、京都市の画商から購入した。１９３３年刊の画集「蕪村名画譜」に大津市の男性所蔵として載ったが、以降の所有者については研究者も把握していなかった。

　ともに日本美術史家で東大名誉教授の辻惟雄、河野元昭両氏が２５日、同館で確認。落款の印章や作風などから真作と判断した。河野氏は「５０代半ばの蕪村の中国への強い憧憬が、一番いい形で結晶した傑作だと思う」と話している。

More on the artist and his works:

YOSA BUSON Detached or mundane?

By MATTHEW LARKING
Special to The Japan Times Thursday, March 27, 2008

The fame that Yosa Buson (1716-1783) enjoyed as a painter and haiku poet in his own lifetime quickly eroded in the years following his death. And while his poetic reputation was restored as early as the 19th century, it was only in the years following World War II that his paintings once again became acclaimed.

As early as 1801, the aspiring Sinophile Nakabayashi Chikuto had expressed misgivings about Buson's works, noting that "What is wrong is his earthy haikai (humorous Japanese verse)." While Buson had worked in a Chinese-style of literati painting that celebrated worldly detachment and was intolerant of the mundane, he had introduced humor to the almost exclusive Chinese subject matter he portrayed. Thus what Chikuto had deduced was the essential friction between what was appropriately high or low in Japan versus China.

Buson left for Edo (present-day Tokyo) from his hometown on the outskirts of Osaka at around age 20 to study haiku in the style of luminary Matsuo Basho (1644-1694). With the death of his teacher seven years later, Buson spent 10 years as an itinerant Buddhist monk. Then, forsaking religious life, he settled in Kyoto and took to painting to earn a living.

The minimal money that Buson also acquired from haiku lessons and published verse would seem to point to a lack of proficiency in the medium, but in fact the reverse was true. Buson is regarded as the most distinguished poet of his age, and second only to the pre-eminent master Basho.

But Buson's entry into painting was much less propitious. Literati painting celebrates a studied amateurism that creates room for spontaneous, impulsive brushwork. But the painter's early work was shot through with a much less prized pure second-rateness.

In "Landscape after Wang Shuming" (1760), the brushwork is undistinguished — even clumsy — and does a disservice to the mountains in the foreground and back. Art historian James Cahill notes that the inscription on the work, "Being drunk, I have casually imitated the spontaneous painting methods of Wang Shunming," was probably meant "to camouflage the real ineptitude."

The artist's real achievements in painting did not emerge until his most advanced years, though he was listed among popular painters of Kyoto in its "Who's Who" directory by 1768. The transition was caused by an array of percolating resources — from the literati-haikai painter Sakaki Hyakusen, who was essentially Buson's precursor, to the comical sketchiness of Japanese folk paintings from Otsu (present-day Shiga Prefecture), which were popular in the Edo Period; from the careful and decorative style of the Chinese painter Shen Nanpin, who had visited Japan, to the depictive skill of the Chinese Northern Zhe School and the country's more esteemed Southern tradition.

Buson seemed uncertain about the distinctions between Northern (who were professional painters, and thus thought of as vulgar) and Southern (who were ideally nonprofessional, and thus praised) schools. And, though the artistic models Buson did take up were not disparaged in China, they were of minimal importance to its traditions. For example, Jin Hong was most often cited by Buson in paintings done "in the style of" someone, but practically nothing is known of that Chinese painter, bar his birthplace, Suzhou.

Buson began painting haiga, simple images combined with 17-syllable verses, by the end of his 50s, bringing together Chinese and Japanese traditions. Further departures from conventional Chinese models and the development of a distinctive body of work emerged in accessible themes such as "Feeding a Horse at a Country House" (undated), where a rustic goes about his work-a-day tasks and a crow roosting in a tree prepares to scavenge corn-feed.

While divorcing himself from Chinese traditions was never his intention, Buson did push them in directions that could never have taken place in China.

In the Chinese literati lineage, the city was a worldly, vulgar place unfit for depiction; a more appropriate subject would have been the hermitages of scholar-officials deep within mountainous nature. But a late and undated Buson painting, "Snowclad Houses in the Night" — arguably the premier work in the Miho Museum's current exhibition of the artist — depicts a snow-covered cityscape with traces of ocher that suggest townsfolk huddled inside, the work day over.

Buson's shifts between the vulgar and elegant mirror his renunciation of the religious values of detachment for worldly ones, such as his pursuit of a living as an artist in the marketplace.

These tensions are exposed, too, in Buson's own words about his poetry, which can be used to metaphorically comprehend the whole of the artist's oeuvre: "Haikai sets high value on using mundane language to distance us from the mundane, or using the medium of the worldly while standing aloof from it."

The Great Art Historian Akiyama Terukazu Passses Away

Akiyama-sensei passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday March 10th of 2009.

Where to begin to describe who Akiyama-sensei was and his importance in the field of Japanese art history. Akiyama-sensei was probably the greatest Japanese art historian that ever lived. Now when most scholars are only deeply knowledgeable in their own very narrow specialized areas of research, Akiyama-sensei had a breadth of knowledge that is almost inconceivable today.

He was strict as a professor, but also outstandingly kind, opening doors for foreign scholars that were often inaccessible even for Japanese scholars. Every art historian of Japanese art knows Akiyama-sensei and most have met him personally, the very luckiest were fortunate to be instructed by him. By the time I came to Gakushūin University, Akiyama-sensei had already retired, but he still often came by to take the students out to lunch and discuss their research with them.


Akiyama-sensei’s specialty was Heian period (794-1185) paintings, most renowned for his research on the wall and screen paintings at the Byōdōin in Uji and the Tale of Genji handscrolls. Akiyama-sensei dedicated himself to trying to recover the painting style of secular paintings of the Heian period called “yamato-e.”

In the later centuries, the term yamato-e came to refer a traditional style of Japanese painting, that in Chinese art would be called “blue and green landscape painting,” the style based on heavy usage of mineral pigments of blue azurite and green malachite. However in the Heian period, the term “yamato-e” was used to describe large-scale paintings of landscapes of Japan, “yamato” meaning Japan and “e” meaning painting, i.e. “paintings of Japan.”

Unfortunately there are no genuine “yamato-e” paintings extent from the Heian period, so Akiyama-sensei examined the style used in the Buddhist paintings at the Byōdōin for depicting the background landscape scenes and also the landscape scenes and depictions of interior wall paintings found in the Tale of Genji scrolls, to explore what the style of yamato-e painting must have been like in the Heian period.

His publications on this research have formed the foundation for the field of Heian period paintings. Anyone who expects to specialize in this field must read his two most famous works, Ōchō kaiga no tanjō (1968) (The Birth of Paintings of the Aristocratic Period) and Heian jidai sezoku-ga no kenkyū (1964) (Research in Heian Period Secular Paintings, 1964). He has also published in English the book, Japanese Painting (1961), which is a monument in itself, easily understandable but also of great depth for those who have sufficient background knowledge.


The passing away of Akiyama-sensei marks the end of an era. He will be sorely missed.

* Below is a newspaper article on his death.

美術品を光学調査　東大名誉教授の秋山光和さん死去

asahi.com 2009年3月10日18時49分

美術品の光学的調査の先駆者で、絵巻物研究でも知られた東京大名誉教授の美術史家・秋山光和（あきやま・てるかず）さんが、１０日午前５時５分、老衰のため死去した。９０歳だった。通夜は１２日午後６時、葬儀は１３日午前１０時から東京都目黒区下目黒３の１９の１の羅漢会館で。喪主は長男のお茶の水女子大教授光文（てるふみ）さん。葬儀委員長は河野元昭・國華主幹。連絡先は國華社（０３・５５５０・５０１５）。

　京都市生まれ。「源氏物語絵巻」への関心から美術史専攻の道に進み、フランス留学を経て、エックス線や赤外線を使った美術品の研究方法を確立。「源氏」の制作年代調査などに役立てた。６７年に学士院賞。人文系学者として日本初のフランス学士院会員になるなど、日本美術の国際的な紹介にもつとめた。著書に「王朝絵画の誕生」 「日本絵巻物の研究」 など。