Special Feature The Swords and Armor of Atsu Hime's Contemporaries The Collections Hall The current NHK year-long historical drama series Atsu Hime has been very popular in Japan. Born to a branch family of the Shimazu clan in Kagoshima and adopted as the daughter of the feudal lord Shimazu Nariaki, Atsu Hime ("Princess Atsu," 1836-1883) became the wife of the thirteenth Tokugawa shogun Iesada (1824-1858). After her husband's death, she supported Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1837-1913) and saw the surrender of Edo Castle from within the inner ladies chambers (J., Ooku). In life, Atsu Hime lived through the political upheavals at the end of the Tokugawa (Edo) period. In this televised series, the character Atsu Hime has captured the hearts of her viewers. In conjunction to the Atsu Hime series, this special feature presents five renowned swords and armors housed at the Kyoto National Museum that originally belonged to historic figures who played important roles in Atsu Hime's life. October 22(Wed.) to December 7(Sun.), 2008 >> for Detail Sakamoto Ryoma The Collections Hall This exhibition on Sakamoto Ryoma (1835-1867) features objects owned by the revolutionary hero. Highlights include handwritten letters by Ryoma that reveal his character, such his illustrated letter reporting events of his honeymoon to his family in Tosa. Other historically related manuscripts from the end of the Tokugawa government will be on display. July 23 (Wed.) to August 31 (Sun.), 2008 >> for Detail Seventy Years Later: Sugimoto Tetsuro's Reproduction of Ajanta and Sigiriya Cave Paintings The Collections Hall The painter Sugimoto Tetsuro (1899-1985) copied the cave paintings in the Ajanta and Sigiriya caves from 1937 to 1938, becoming the first foreigner to undertake this large task. After returning to Japan, he held an exhibition at the Imperial Gift Musuem of Kyoto (later renamed the Kyoto National Museum), which stunned his viewers, and donated his works to the museum. Seventy years later, we look back to this event. June 25 (Wed.) to July 27 (Sun.), 2008 >> for Detail The Milieu of The Tale of Genj:Archaeological Discoveries from the Heian Period The Collections Hall This year marks a thousand years since Lady Murasaki wrote her celebrated novel, The Tale of Genji. This exhibition explores the age in which this author lived through archaeological objects related to her contemporaries including the powerful Minister of the Left (later regent) Fujiwara no Michinaga and his daughter, the Imperial consort Shoshi, who Murasaki served. Highlights include the impressive bronze sutra container (National Treasure, Kinpu Shrine) that Michinaga buried on Mount Kinpu and the elegant gilt gold and silver sutra case with floral motif (National Treasure, Enryaku-ji Temple) that Shoshi donated to Mount Hiei. April 2 (Wed.) to June 29 (Sun.), 2008 >> for Detail New Acquisitions The Collections Hall This annual exhibition presents works of art and cultural assets acquired by the Kyoto National Museum in fiscal year 2007. May 21 to June 22, 2008 >> for Detail Hina Matsuri and Japanese Dolls The Collections Hall This annual exhibition presents works of art and cultural assets acquired by the Kyoto National Museum in fiscal year 2005. February 23 to March 30, 2008 >> for Detail An Old Man's Mischief: The Works of the Buddhist Sculptor Shimizu Ryukei The Collections Hall Kiyomizu Ryukei (n.d.) came from a family of Kyoto Buddhist sculptors that continued for four generations during the Edo period. He was a skilled sculptor, who was affiliated with the renowned priest Tankai (1629-1716) of Hozan-ji Temple. In his latter years, however, he carved dolls that reflected the social conditions of the time and called them the "mischief of an old man." This exhibition examines the works of this dynamic artist. January 2 to March 30, 2008 >> for Detail Famous Swords from Shrines The Collections Hall Sword endowed with various wishes have been offered to the gods and buddhas since ancient times in Japan. Among these are offerings by renowned warlords. This exhibition features sword offerings that have been made to famous shrines in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Aichi. January 2 to February 11, 2008 >> for Detail Gifts from the Kyoto Museum: The Beginnings of the Kyoto National Museum Collections The Collections Hall The history of acquisition began in 1891, when the Prefecture of Kyoto donated over one thousand works of art and cultural artifacts to the museum. Showcased here are these little-known gifts. November 21 to December 24, 2007 >> for Detail Noh Theater and Art The Collections Hall This special feature presents exemplary noh masks, costumes, and librettos. October 11 to November 11, 2007 >> for Detail Treasures of Daikaku-ji Temple: Commemorating the 700th Anniversary of Emperor Gouda's Appointment as Abbot The Collections Hall Daikaku-ji Temple, which is renowned as the "Saga Imperial Palace," underwent a major revival in 1307, when the retired emperor Gouda (1267-1324) became its abbot. Featured here are treasures from Daikaku-ji, including the cloistered emperor's powerful yet playful calligraphic works and resplendent screen paintings by Kano Sanraku (1559-1635) that adorned the temple quarters. August 8 to September 17, 2007 >> for Detail New Acquisitions The Collections Hall This annual exhibition presents works of art and cultural assets acquired by the Kyoto National Museum in fiscal year 2006. June 20 to July 29, 2007 >> for Detail Hina Matsuri and Japanese Dolls The Collections Hall Featuring hina ningyo (Girls' Day dolls) and various other Kyoto dolls, including Gosho ningyo and Kamo ningyo. February 17 to April 8, 2007 >> for Detail Shinto Sculptures The Collections Hall Unlike Buddhist sculptures, images of Shinto deities take various forms due to the lack of standized models. See how the Japanese preceived the deities through the different Shinto images in this exhibit. January 2 to March 25, 2007 >> for Detail Kodaiji Makie and Nanban Lacquerware The Collections Hall Kodaiji makie represents a decorative lacquer technique used for architectural interiors, furnishings, and personal accessories that were popular in the Momoyama period (1573-1615). Nanban shikki (literally, "Southern barbarian lacquerware"), also produced at this time, refers to lacquerware that was in vogue among the Europeans who came to Japan. Enjoy opulent masterworks of lacquer from the beginning of Japan's early modern period. January 2 to February 12, 2007 >> for Detail The World of Immortals The Collections Hall Introducing Chinese and Japanese paintings of immortals, including Xiama and Tieguai by Yan Hui (Important Cultural Property, Chion-in Temple) and Qingao and Other Immortals by Sesson (Important Cultural Property, KNM). January 2 to January 28, 2007 >> for Detail The Calligraphy by the Founders of Japanese Buddhism The Collections Hall Highlighting calligraphy by celebrated Buddhist priests of the Kamakura period, including Myoe, Shinran, and Nichiren. See works by various eminent masters who left a mark in Japanese Buddhist history. November 15 to December 24, 2006 >> for Detail ENJOYING AUTUMNAL LEAVES The Collections Hall The exhibitions in The Collections Hall are often organized based on seasonal themes. This fall, the Kyoto National Museum presents various artworks capturing colorful autumnal leaves. Enjoy the spectacular brocade in the city and at the Kyoto National Museum! October 25 to November 26, 2006 >> for Detail Qi Baishi and His Contemporaries The Collections Hall Featuring paintings by the modern Chinese master Qi Baishi (1863-1957) and his contemporaries, such as Priest Ruiguang and Yao Hua, primarily from the Suma Collection, which was donated to the museum in recent years. September 6 to October 1, 2006 >> for Detail New Acquisitions The Collections Hall This annual exhibition presents works of art and cultural assets acquired by the Kyoto National Museum in fiscal year 2005. May 31 to July 2, 2006 >> for Detail Daiitoku Myoo The Collections Hall The distinctive expression of his elongated body and large, wide-open eyes demonstrate features of classic early tenth-century Buddhist sculpture in Japan. Moreover, documents, confirming its date of production to the beginning of the tenth century, make this work extremely valuable in terms of Buddhist art history. For these reasons, this image was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2004, and restored with government funding at the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties at the Kyoto National Museum in the following year. April 19 to May 7, 2006 >> for Detail Traditions Unbound Paintings Return to Kyoto Special Exhibition Hall The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco presents Traditions Unbound: Groundbreaking Painters of 18th-Century Kyoto from December 3, 2005 to February 26, 2006. The original concept of the San Francisco show comes from the Kyoto National Museum exhibition Conflicting Aesthetics: Japanese Art in the 18th Century, which was held in 1980. March 25 to April 9,2006 >> for Detail Commemorating the Restoration of the Myoken-ji Temple Documents The Collections Hall This rare display of handscrolls from the collection of Kyoto's Myoken-ji Temple Documents (designated as Important Cultural Properties) commemorates the completion of their restoration. March 1 to April 2, 2006 >> for Detail Girls' Day and Dolls The Collections Hall This annual display, celebrating Girls' Day on March 3rd, features hina dolls and various traditional Kyoto dolls, such as gosho ningyo (Imperial Palace dolls) and Kamo ningyo (Kamo dolls). February 18 to April 2, 20066 >> for Detail Sculptures of Shinto Deities and Guardian Lions and Lion Dogs The Collections Hall Every other year, the Kyoto National Museum features Lions and Lion Dogs as part of the New Year's exhibition. This year, these sculptures will be exhibited with images of Shinto deities in their former role as sacred guardians. January 2 to March 26, 2006 >> for Detail Master Swords from Temples and Shrines in Kyoto The Collections Hall Swords from famous temples and shrines in Kyoto, including Yasaka Shrine, Atago Shrine, Daikaku-ji Temple, and Myoshin-ji Temple, will be featured. See treasured swords said to been owned by the warlords Oda Nobunaga (1534-82) and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-98) and other examples designated as Important Cultural Properties. January 2 to February 12, 2006 >> for Detail Japanese Poetry and Art: 1100 Years of Kokinshu, 800 Years of Shinkokinshu The Collections Hall This exhibition celebrates the compilation of the classical Japanese poem anthologies, Kokinshu (Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems) and Shinkokinshu (New Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems), through various exemplary works of art, such as the National Treasures Hon'ami Edition of Kokinshu (segment of scroll 12) and Portrait of Emperor Gotoba, as well as other poem anthologies, paintings of poetic sages, and poetic motifs in the applied arts. November 23 to December 25, 2005 >> for Detail Tracing the History of the Ji Sect: Celebrating the 1200th Anniversary of Choraku-ji Temple The Collections Hall According to the legends of Choraku-ji, this year marks the 1200th year since the founding of this Kyoto temple. Historical documents left by generations of priests of the Buddhist Ji (Time) Sect will be traced. July 13 to August 21, 2005 >> for Detail New Acquisitions The Collections Hall This annual exhibition presents artwork and cultural properties acquired by the Kyoto National Museum in fiscal year 2004. June 1 to July 3, 2005 >> for Detail Calligraphy by Emperors: The Sentiment that Went into Imperial Letters The Collections Hall This is an exhibit of calligraphies by emperors. These imperial writings reflect their milieu as well as sentiments of happiness, surprise, and anger. March 2 to April 3, 2005 >> for Detail Ito Jakuchu The Collections Hall The painter Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) enjoyed a revival in popularity since the special exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum, Jakuchu: On the 200th Anniversary of the Artist's Death, held in 2000. During Jakuchu's lifetime, he was said to have told a priest that his works would only be understood two hundred years after him. If he truly said this, then his words have been realized. Jakuchu's works now often appear in textbooks and in video clips, and most recently, as designs on beverage bottles. Although a few paintings by Jakuchu have been shown at the Kyoto National Museum, this current exhibition is the first since the 2000 special exhibition to feature so many of his works. January 2 to February 27, 2005 >> for Detail Buddhist Sculptures and the Art of Photography The Collections Hall Sculptures transform depending on the angle and lighting in which they are viewed. These elements also come into play when photographing sculptural works. This display of Buddhist sculpture and their photographs considers the relationship between sculpture and its viewing angle and lighting. January 2 to February 27, 2005 >> for Detail Kodai-ji Makie and Nanban Lacquerware The Collections Hall In the Momoyama period (1573-1615), members of the warrior class vied with one another to decorate interior spaces and furnishings in ornate makie, a decorative lacquer technique using metal powders or flakes. Kodaiji makie, named after Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto, is one of the most exemplary styles of this technique. Nanban lacquerware, an appellation used to describe the Europeans in Japan, who, enamored with makie, commissioned religious utensils and Western-style furniture, during this period. January 2 to February 20, 2005 >> for Detail Heian Elegance: The Twelve Devas and the Landscape Screen The Collections Hall Two Heian (794-1185) masterpieces--he Twelve Devas, which were formerly used in celebratory rituals at the imperial palace in Kyoto, and the Landscape Screen, the only extant screen painting from this period--will be shown. January 2 to February 13, 2005 >> for Detail The Other Moriya Collection: Chinese Bronze Mirrors The Collections Hall This exhibition, held in conjunction with the special exhibition, The Sacred Letters of Early Sutras, presents the entire set of mirrors at the Kyoto National Museum that formerly belonged to Kozo Moriya for the first time in almost fifty years. October 19 to December 19, 2004 >> for Detail CELEBRATING THE RESTORATION OF THE NATIONAL TREASURE KYOGYOSHINSHO BY SHINRAN The Collections Hall This exhibition commemorates the completion of a two-year restoration project (during the fiscal years 2002 to 2003) of the National Treasure Kyogyoshinsho (from the collection of the Shinshu otani Sect). November 2 to 28, 2004 >> for Detail Her Majesty the Empress and the Sericulture of the Koishimaru Silkworm: Celebrating Ten Years in the Reproduction of Shoso-in Textile The Collections Hall For the last ten years, the Imperial Household Agency Office of the Shosoin Treasure House has been involved in the reproduction of ancient textiles from the Nara period (710-793) used for the Shosoin treasures. August 21 to September 23 , 2004 >> for Detail New Acquisition The Collections Hall Featured are artworks acquired and donated to the Kyoto National Museum during the fiscal year Heisei 14 (2003). June 30 to August 1 , 2004 >> for Detail Edo to Meiji-period Studies of Ancient Objects through Illustrations The Collections Hall Before the prevalence of photography, illustrations and rubbings of objects excavated from tumuli and treasures found in temples were commonly made during the late Edo (1616-1867) to Meiji (1868-1912) periods. This exhibit surveys these early records of artworks and artifacts. May 19 to June 27 , 2004 >> for Detail Mysterious Landscapes and the Korean Edition of Yuzhi Bizangquan from the Nanzen-ji Sutra Collection The Collections Hall Included in the collection of the entire Buddhist canon from Nanzen-ji are nineteen volumes (scroll seventeen missing from an original set of twenty volumes) of the Korean edition of the renowned Yuzhi Bizangquan (works by the second Northern Song emperor Taizong (r. 976-997). See these exquisite printed volumes from the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) with detailed woodcut illustrations modeled on first Chinese Northern Song edition. April 6 to May 16 , 2004 Celebrating the Doll's day Festival The Collections Hall Hina dolls will be highlighted in this annual spring display. A variety of Japanese dolls, including gosho ningyo, Kamo ningyo, and costume dolls, will also be shown.　 February 14 (Sat.) to April 4 (Sun.), 2004 Lions and Lion Dogs The Collections Hall This annual exhibition of lion and lion-dogs focuses on examples from the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Highlights include works by the sculptor Tankei (1173-1256), who created a new style of these guardian images. January 4 (Sun.) to March 28 (Sun.), 2004 Imperial Missives: Calligraphy by Emperors The Collections Hall Elegant letters written by early Japanese emperors, evoking various sentiments of happiness, anger, and surprise, and reflecting the social conditions of the time, will be on display. December 23 (Tue.),2003 to February 1 (Sun.), 2004 The Twelve Devas and the Landscape Screen The Collections Hall Don't miss this special opportunity to see elegant masterworks from the Heian period (794-1185). The Twelve Devas, originally used in religious ceremonies at the imperial court, represent the height of late Heian Buddhist painting. The Landscape Screen is the only extant screen painting dating from this time. January 4 (Sun.) to February 1 (Sun.), 2004 A Historical Overview of Shinsengumi The Collections Hall This exhibition introduces Shinsengumi--the police force made up of disfranchised samurai in Kyoto, at the end of the Tokugawa government--through historical records, letters, and picture scrolls. September 4 (Thurs.) to October 5 (Sun.),2003 Sakamoto Ryoma The Collections Hall Materials related to the revolutionary hero, Sakamoto Ryoma (1835-67). September 4 (Thurs.) to October 5 (Sun.),2003 New Acquisitions The Collections Hall Featured are artworks acquired and donated to the Kyoto National Museum during the fiscal year Heisei 14 (2002). July 2 (Wed.) to August 3 (Sun.) , 2003 The Sutras of Chuson-ji Temple The Collections Hall The magnificent Sutras of Ch?son-ji Temple, designated National Treasures, will be displayed in conjunction with the special spring exhibition, Treasures of a Sacred Mountain: K?kai and Mount K?ya. This extraordinary decorative set of the entire Buddhist cannon, brushed in gold and silver characters on indigo paper, now mostly owned by Kong?bu-ji Temple on Mount K?ya, was originally donated to Ch?son-ji (in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture) by Fujiwara Kiyohira, in the late Heian period (794-1185). April 23 (Wed.) to May 25 (Sun.), 2003 Celebrating the Dolls' Day Festival The Collections Hall An annual spring exhibition of hina ningyo and other Japanese dolls. February 15(Sat.) to March 30(Sun.), 2003 EARLY CALLIGRAPHY AND EXEMPLARY ALBUMS The Collections Hall This ostentatious display of exquisite calligraphic works include the Moshiogusa Album of Exemplary Calligraphy (National Treasure, Kyoto National Museum), the Large Album of Exemplary Calligraphy (Important Cultural Property), the Manshu-in Edition of Kokin wakash? (Collection of Ancient and Modern Japanese Poems, designated National Treasure, Manshu-in Temple), and the Hon'ami Edition of Kokin wakash?, Scroll 12 (National Treasure). January 7(Tue.) to February 2(Sun.), 2003 NEW YEAR FELICITATION The Collections Hall To celebrate the New Year, the Kyoto National Museum proudly presents, from the 2002 year-end to the beginning of 2003, New Year Felicitations, a colorful exhibition of artworks related to this season. December 26(Thu.), 2002 to February 2(Sun.), 2003 Celebrating the Restoration of The Illustrated Biography of Priest Ippen The Collections Hall The Illustrated Biography of Priest Ippen (1239-89) will be shown in its entirety to commemorate the recent completion of its six-year restoration. Related works and materials, newly discovered during its restoration, will also be on display. October 9(Wed.) to November 10(Sun.), 2002 Sakamoto Ryoma The Collections Hall Art and historical materials from the Kyoto National Museum collection and other lenders related to this late Edo period hero. July 31 (Wed.)-September 1 (Sun.), 2002 New Acquisitions, 2002 The Collections Hall This exhibition focuses on images of deities,designated Important Cultural Properties,from the Daishogunhachi Shrine. July 3 (Wed.)-August 4 (Sun.), 2002 DEITIES OF THE DAISHOGUNHACHI SHRINE The Collections Hall This exhibition focuses on images of deities,designated Important Cultural Properties,from the Daishogunhachi Shrine. July 3 (Wed.)-August 4 (Sun.), 2002 The Treasures of Yasaka Shrine The Collections Hall A large variety of treasures offered to this famous Gion shrine in Kyoto at the beginning of the Edo period, as well as decorative arts, painting, calligraphy, sculpture, etc., many on exhibit for the first time ever. May 29- June 30, 2002 Lions and Lion Dogs The Collections Hall Sculpture of lions and komainu (lion dogs) from the early Heian and Kamakura periods, with an emphasis of the history and development of the genre January 4 (Fri) - March 24 (Sun), 2002 Japanese Dolls and the Doll Festival The Collections Hall An annual spring exhibition of hina ningyo and other Japanese dolls February 15 (Fri.) - March 31 (Sun.), 2002 Sutra Manuscripts of the Nara Period: The Beauty of the Written Character The Collections Hall Approximately twenty-five outstanding Buddhist sutra manuscripts dating to the Nara period February 6 (Wed) - March 10 (Sun), 2002 New Acquisitions of the Kyoto National Museum, II: The Collections Hall Outstanding works of contemporary Chinese painting from the Suma Collection, recently donated to the Kyoto National Museum Oct. 31 (Wed.) - Dec. 2 (Sun.), 2001 Treasures of Chishaku-in Temple The Collections Hall Featuring National Treasure wall paintings by Hasegawa Tohaku and Kyuzo and other cultural properties from the temple collection, this exhibition commemorates the 400th anniversary of the reconstruction of Chishaku-in. September 27 (Thu.) - October 28 (Sun.), 2001 Sakamoto Ryoma: Ryoma and His Contemporaries August 1 (Wed.) - September 2 (Mon.), 2001 New Acquisitions of the Kyoto National Museum, I June 27 (Wed.) - July 29 (Sun.), 2001 Japanese Dolls Friday, February 16- Sunday, March 25, 2001 Kodai-ji Makie and Namban Lacquerware Thursday, January 4- Monday, February 12, 2001 Buddhist Art as Ritual Offering: Shaka Rising from the Gold Coffin and Other National Treasures of the Heian Period Thursday, October 12- Sunday, November 19, 2000 Treasures of Choraku-ji Temple Wednesday, October 11- Sunday, November 12, 2000 New Acquisitions, II: Contemporary Chinese Painting from the Suma Collection Wednesday, September 6- Sunday, October 9, 2000 Sakamoto Ryoma and the Battles of the Late Edo Period Wednesday, July 26- Thursday, August 31, 2000 Classical Literature and Art: The Collection of Osaka Aoyama Junior College Wednesday, July 26- Thursday, August 31, 2000 New Acquisitions, 2000 Wednesday, July 5- Sunday, August 6, 2000 Japanese Dolls February 18- April 2, 2000 Chinese Painting and Calligraphy from the Ueno Collection On the 40th Anniversary of Its Donation February 2- March 5, 2000 The Twelve Devas January 4- February 6, 2000 The Elegance of Japanese Court Costume October 6- November 11, 1999 Sakamoto Ryoma (8/4-9/5, 1999) New Acquisitions 1999 (6/30- 8/1, 1999) Japanese Dolls 1999 (2/25- 4/4, 1999) Guardian Lions and Lion Dogs 1999 (1/5- 4/11, 1999) Kodai-ji Makie and Namban Lacquerware 1999 (1/5- 2/21, 1999) New Acquisitions 1998, Part II: Muromachi to Edo Period Mirrors (8/6- 9/20, 1998) New Acquisitions 1998, Part I (7/1- 8/2, 1998) Kamo Horse Races (4/8- 5/17, 1998) Japanese Dolls 1998 (2/26- 4/5, 1998) The Twelve Devas and Senzui-byobu Screen 1998 (1/4- 2/1, 1998) Lions and Lion Dogs 1998 (1/4- 3/29, 1998) A Hundred Years of the Kyoto National Museum (10/15- 11/24, 1997) Court Costumes Donated by the Princess Chichibunomiya (9/10- 10/12, 1997) Legends of the Kegon Sect Handscroll (1/5- 2/21, 1997) New Acquisitions 1997 (8/6- 9/7, 1997) Japanese Dolls 1997 (2/21- 4/6, 1997) Lions and Lion Dogs 1997 (1/4- 3/23, 1997) Twelve Devas and Senzui Byobu Screen 1997 (1/4- 2/9, 1997) Kodaiji Maki'e and Nanban Lacquerware (1/4- 2/2, 1997)