Japan (Rooms 92-94)
The Mitsubishi Corporation Japanese galleries
1000 BC – present
Continuity and change have shaped Japanese material culture
since ancient times. Through extensive cultural exchange, Japan has
become a thriving modern, high-technology society whilst continuing
to celebrate many elements of its traditional culture.
The art, religion, entertainment and everyday life of emperors,
courtiers and townspeople can be explored in Rooms 92-94 through
objects dating from Ancient Japan to the Modern period. Artefacts
range from porcelain and Samurai warrior swords, to woodblock
prints and twentieth century Manga comic books. Historic tea
ceremony wares can also be seen, alongside a reconstruction of a
traditional tea house.
Image captions (clockwise from top
left):
Wooden figure of Fudô
Myô-Ô, Heian period, 12th century AD
Set of armour, Momoyama
period, late 16th century (cuirass and sleeves; Edo
period, 17th century (helmet), 18th-19th century
(remainder)
Haniwa, Kofun period,
6th century AD
Pair of porcelain model elephants, Edo
period, late 17th century AD