Month: December 2022

Ueno Royal Museum

An exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, “Terracotta Warriors and Ancient China – Heritage of the Qin and Han Civilizations -” opened on November 22, 2022 at the Ueno Royal Museum. (Exhibition period is until February 5, 2023)

This exhibition introduces the heritage of ancient Chinese civilization with about 200 precious cultural relics, centering on 36 terracotta warriors. I covered the press preview held the day before the opening, so I will report on the state of the exhibition.

Confronting a magnificent history that transcends 2000 years

Yo is a human figure made of wood and earth that was buried with the body of a powerful person in ancient China.

In 1974, when a farmer was digging a well about 1.5km away from the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, a large number of almost life-size figures of soldiers and horses with different faces and clothes were unearthed. Investigation revealed that the terracotta warriors were placed underground to protect the Qin Shi Huang after his death, making it one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Excavation work is still ongoing, but the number is estimated to be about 8,000.

In 221 B.C., the Spring and Autumn Warring States period ended when seven kingdoms fought against each other, and the Qin Dynasty of Shi Huang, the first emperor to establish a unified dynasty in Chinese history, fell in just over ten years. .

This exhibition focuses on the Qin dynasty and excavated artifacts from Guanzhong (current Shaanxi province), the central region of the Han dynasty, which is said to be the golden age of ancient China, founded by Liu Bang after the Qin Dynasty fell in 202 BC. In addition, about 200 items will be introduced, including first-class cultural relics (a unique Chinese classification that refers to the highest grade valuable cultural relics) that have been exhibited in Japan for the first time.

Actor Shosuke Tanihara, who was the navigator of the exhibition and also narrated the audio guide, rushed to the opening event.

Looking at the terracotta warriors lined up at the venue, he commented, “It’s a masterpiece. I was surprised by the size of its presence as an object.” “Among the things that have been made for a long time, pottery and metal items tend to survive. I really felt it,” he said, describing his impressions after visiting the venue.

In addition, this exhibition has a corner that collaborated with the popular manga “Kingdom” depicting the Spring and Autumn Warring States period, and he himself is a big fan of the work. Please come to this exhibition to experience this.”

Valuable shogun figures will be exhibited for the first time in Japan!

At the venue, historical materials covering approximately 1,000 years from the relocation of the capital of the Zhou Dynasty in 770 B.C. to the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 B.C. It is introduced in three chapters , “Birth of the Dynasty-Era of the First Emperor” and “Chapter 3 Prosperity of the Han Dynasty-From Liu Bang to Emperor Wu” .

The highlight is the 36 terracotta warriors and horses, but especially the many terracotta warriors from the era of the first emperor in “Chapter 2: The Birth of the Unified Dynasty – The Era of the First Emperor” were very impressive with an average height of around 180cm.

Japan has held exhibitions on the theme of terracotta warriors and horses several times in the past. One of the precious “Shogun” that has not been exhibited in Japan for the first time is coming to Japan.

This is the “War Uniform General” . Although it has the name “shogun,” it actually refers to a military officer or a high-ranking military officer who rode a tank and commanded a small unit of infantry and cavalry. The image height is 196 cm and tall.

Among the numerous terracotta warriors and horses lined up, it is easy to recognize at a glance because it has a uniquely shaped crown on its head called a katsukan. The pheasant is a wild bird of the pheasant family, and it is said that its tail feathers came to be used as the crown of warriors because it would fight back violently when attacked.

It is known that the terracotta warriors and horses were originally brightly colored, and if you look closely at the cheeks and ears on the right side, you can see traces of skin color overlaid on a white background, and you can feel the remnants of the past. The right hand is unnaturally rounded, but it seems that this represents the state of holding a sword.

It is interesting that not only the faces and clothes, but also the poses are diverse, such as those who shoot standing, and those who wait with a crossbow.

At 64cm in height, Kizayo , which is slightly smaller than life-size, is a faithful imitation of an official who raises horses and animals. Soldiers and horses are sometimes buried in combination, but kneeling figures like this one are buried in horse stables and rare birds and animals pits. It seems that it was placed in a place called this.

For the Zhou Dynasty, horses were bred and given the land of Qin. You can feel the depth of the Qin people’s feelings for horses and animals, to take care of them in the afterlife.

On the same floor, there was also a figure of a chariot horse.

The terracotta army was born in place of human martyrdom (killing and burying according to the death of the grave owner), which was already abolished at that time. It is said to have been modeled.

Some of the terracotta warriors are posing with weapons, but if you look around, you won’t find any stern expressions about going into battle. Knowing that the first emperor had begun building his own mausoleum before his death, I imagined that these expressions might have been instructions from the first emperor himself who wished for rest in the world after his death.

The interesting thing about the terracotta army is that such realistic, life-size figures can only be seen during the Qin Shi Huang era.

At the venue, one of the oldest examples of terracotta warriors from the Qin Dynasty, the Horse Warriors, and the Colored Infantry Soldiers , which was made in the Former Han dynasty, can also be admired. , Former Han has a simplified and standardized design. In other words, the terracotta warriors of the Qin Shi Huang era, which are almost life-size and have one-on-one models, are quite special.

Kazuyuki Tsuruma, professor emeritus at Gakushuin University and the supervisor of this exhibition, explains why the Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor were created.

■(As mentioned earlier) When real horses and animals were carefully buried, the horses and animals were respected, such as placing kneeling figures to take care of them, and later combining life-sized ceramic horses and ceramic figures. Is it not the gift of the spirit of the Qin people?

■Since a decorative plaque depicting the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, was discovered in a Qin tomb during the Warring States period, it is possible that ancient Greek sculpture and art had an influence.

It sounds like you’re making an assumption.

Confucius once criticized the figure of a human being, but since the First Emperor is known for burning books and digging Confucian scholars, he may have dared to create something that goes against Confucius’ teachings.

In the vicinity of the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, which was equipped with sleeping halls and ritual facilities, not only soldiers but also civil officials, musicians, and acrobats have been found, although they are not on display.
In any case, these terracotta warriors and horses, which have a thorough realism, seem to reproduce the appearance of Qin at that time as it is, not only the enormous national power of Qin at that time, but also the extraordinary posthumous emperor’s death. I could feel his expectations for the world and his pride as a ruler.

There are also exhibits that deepen your understanding of the world of “Kingdom”

I mentioned earlier that this exhibition is collaborating with the popular manga “Kingdom”, which is set in the Spring and Autumn Warring States period and depicts the path to the unification of China by Qin, but here is the collaboration.

The panel display surrounding the room where “No. 2 Bronze Horse” (reproduction) is placed allows us to compare the historical figures, places, weapons, and accessories that appear in the work with the exhibits in this exhibition. , to deepen your understanding of ancient China.

This “No. 2 Chariot Horse” was excavated from the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, and is half the size of the real thing. It retains the dignity of the first emperor’s parade during his lifetime. It is praised as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese bronze technology due to the combination of elaborate parts.

In fact, this copper horse is very similar to the carriage that Masafumi was on in the first episode of “Kingdom” (although there is a difference between two horses and four horses). I am reminded of the fascination that reality is born in the world of the work from such detailed descriptions.

In addition, we also discovered the “Bronze Bell” , which is one of the most popular characters in the work, and is related to Lu Buwei, the first minister of Qin who stands in the way of Qin Shi Huang (later Shi Huang). “Keki” is a weapon with a spear attached to a weapon called a dagger. This item was discovered in the Terracotta Warriors’ Mine, and it is engraved with the words “Three Years Old Lu Fu Wei”, indicating that Lu Fu Wei was in charge of manufacturing this weapon.

In this way, exhibits linked to the world of “Kingdom” will appear here and there in this exhibition, so if you are a fan, please check every corner of the venue.

Feel the breath of ancient Chinese people

In addition, there are carefully selected masterpieces such as bronze ware and jade. Among them, the treasure “Ryukin Bronze Horse” , which was made by Emperor Wu of the Former Han Dynasty and was exhibited for the first time in Japan, had a strong presence. It is a gold-plated statue of a horse, and its model is said to be Hanchiuma, a famous horse that was said to run a thousand miles in one day, and was entrusted with the admiration of Emperor Wu, who had never seen the Hanchima. It is considered

In addition to ancient administrative documents called “Liyeqinjian” and gold seals, there are valuable cultural relics of the highest grade, as well as coins, jars, jars, incense burners, boards (tools for washing one’s hands), and vases (for pouring sake and water). A wide range of items that remind us of the lives of people who lived in ancient China, such as tableware, dings (tools for boiling meat and fish), were introduced, making it a perfect introduction to ancient China. .

The exhibition “Terracotta Warriors and Ancient China – Heritage of the Qin and Han Civilizations -” where you can feel the romance of ancient China will be held until February 5, 2023.

 

“Terracotta Warriors and Ancient China – Heritage of Qin and Han Civilization -” Overview

exhibition period	November 22, 2022 (Tuesday) to February 5, 2023 (Sunday)
Opening hours	9:30-18:00 Admission until 30 minutes before closing
closing day	December 31, 2022 (Sat) – January 1, 2023 (Sun)
venue	Ueno Royal Museum
organizer	Tokyo Shimbun, Fuji Television Network, Ueno Royal Museum, Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, Shaanxi Historical Museum (Shaanxi Cultural Relics Exchange Center), Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial/9:00~20:00)
Exhibition official website	https://heibayou2022-23.jp

*The content of the article is as of the interview date (2022/11/21). For the latest information, please check the official website of the exhibition.

 

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National Science Museum

The National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, Tokyo will hold a special exhibition “Poison” from November 1, 2022 (Tuesday) to February 19, 2023 (Sunday).

In this exhibition, specialists in zoology, botany, earth science, anthropology, and science and engineering thoroughly delve into the various “poisons” that exist on earth.

I participated in the press preview held prior to the opening, so I will report on the contents of the exhibition and the state of the venue, along with my impressions.

Poison, poison, poison… A special exhibition that explains all kinds of poisons

Various “poisons” that exist in the natural world and human society, such as animals, plants, fungi, minerals, and even artificial poisons, are roughly understood as “substances that harm living things, including humans.”

The special exhibition “Poison” collects such poisonous organisms and toxic substances, and not only introduces the diversity of poisons, but also the history of organisms that have evolved with poisons, and the history of poisons since ancient times, sometimes weapons, sometimes poisons. A multi-faceted commentary on “What is poison?”, such as the relationship between poison and humans who have used it as medicine.

This special exhibition on the theme of poison will be the first attempt at the National Museum of Nature and Science.

The total number of poisons that appear is over 250!
Nine specialists from different research departments, such as zoology, botany, earth science, anthropology, and science and engineering, provide comprehensive commentary unique to the National Museum of Nature and Science, as well as valuable specimen materials.

In the venue, you can deepen your knowledge of poison while solving the “poison quiz” by QuizKnock led by Mr. Takuji Izawa, the quiz king . While searching for poisons that can be used for conquest, they appear here and there in the venue and leave interesting comments about the world of poisons.

In addition, you can enjoy the audio guide by voice actor Yuichi Nakamura, who will be the first museum audio guide, and the illustrations drawn by Toko Shino, who is the illustrator of the popular poison-themed novel “Yakuya no Hitorigoto”. Creators are making this exhibition exciting.

At the opening talk held before the press preview, we received messages from Mr. Tsuyoshi Hosoya, director of the Botanical Research Department of the National Museum of Nature and Science, who supervised this exhibition, and Mr. Takuji Izawa, who became an official supporter of this exhibition.

Mr. Hosoya said, “This exhibition was planned with the hope that people will understand the diversity and multifaceted nature of poison. Poison is a substance, but it is also an opportunity to understand the workings and workings of nature.” I think we can think of it as an idea or concept that was created for the purpose.The attitude of confronting poison is science itself.”

There were too many stories to show because it was a project that crossed each research department of the science museum, and it was difficult to carefully select information and give a story to the exhibition.

Mr. Izawa says that he had an image of poison as something that “feels fear since childhood, but at the same time is attractive and attractive.” After viewing this exhibition, he said, “The exhibition is solid! There are gimmicks that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. It’s worth seeing, so I’d like you to take two hours (to appreciate it). I go around the exhibition. It might take 3 or 4 hours to do it,” he said, showing off the richness of the content.

“Poisons have a scary image, so parents may not want to let their children see them, but the important thing is to know correctly and fear correctly. We can’t escape from the poison inside, so I would be happy if you could feel (the importance of) getting along well while gaining knowledge.”

Visitors are welcomed by a large scale model of a hub and a hornet!

This exhibition consists of five chapters, Chapters 1 to 4 and the final chapter.

In “Chapter 1: Welcome to the World of Poisons,” which includes videos and panels to help you grasp the concept of what poison is, you can also learn about poisons that we might encounter indoors or outdoors. The “Poisons in the Inside” panel was gaining popularity.

Looking at the panel, “moldy bread” and “carbon monoxide” feel like hum hum, but I’m surprised to see that foods that I usually eat casually such as “grapes” and “peanuts” are also listed as examples. (What kind of poison this will be is revealed at the end of the exhibition)

I had a vaguely unusual image of poison, such as poisons used in suspense cases, poisonous snakes, and poisonous spiders. As you can see in the explanation, it is the introduction part that immediately makes it clear that there is no such thing at all.

Next, we will enter the “Chapter 2 Poison Museum” area, which can be said to be the main part of this exhibition, where we introduce various poisons and poisonous creatures around us.

Here, a spectacular enlarged model created to explain “poison for attack” used to capture and disable prey and “poison for defense” used to protect yourself from external enemies appears!

There were four larvae, about 30 times the size of the real thing, a giant hornet about 40 times the size, a nettle about 70 times the size, and a larva about 100 times the size of the real thing .

The details of the model of the habu and giant hornet, which are about to attack with bare tusks and stingers, are eye-catching. The dynamism is amazing…!

“Japan’s three major poisonous plants”, the world’s poisonous plants that far surpass its toxicity, the rare poisonous bird “Shrike”, poisonous mushrooms that are easily mistaken for edible mushrooms, once believed to be the medicine of immortality A wide variety of poisons, such as the highly toxic mercury, appear one after another, stimulating your thirst for knowledge.

What was interesting was the column about the “Schmidt index” in one section of the exhibition about bees with venom, which is a blend of various chemical substances described as a “poisonous cocktail.”

The Schmidt Index is an American researcher, Dr. Justin Schmidt (1947-), in response to the question, “Which bee sting hurts the most?” digitized to . (He was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for this research.)

The figurative expressions attached to the Schmidt index are strangely clever, such as “A sharp pain that feels like a hot flash. I thought it was mild Havarti cheese, but it turned out to be extremely spicy jalapeño cheese.” invite

Are humans evolved from poison? Human history has been with poison

The exhibition will continue even after you pass Chapter 2, which is sure to give you a lot of poison knowledge.

So far, the atmosphere has been like exploring the world of living creatures and minerals, but from “Chapter 3: Evolution of Poison” , the atmosphere changes to that of a clean laboratory.

Here, we introduce examples of poison-triggered evolution, such as mimicking poisonous organisms, stealing poison from poisonous organisms, acquiring poison-resistant properties, and a seed dispersal strategy using poison. .

For example, oxygen, which is essential to many organisms, is actually toxic. We, humans, were creatures that evolved to adapt to poison.

In addition, yellow-headed poison dart frogs and red-bellied newts have evolved to have “warning colors” that tell others that they are poisonous animals and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

The yellow-black warning color of yellow-billed poison dart frogs is often seen in other creatures such as giant hornets, but red-bellied newts are red and black. I was wondering if there was some reason for this difference, but the point is that “contrast between bright and dark colors” is important.

As an example of the acquisition of the property to withstand poison, there was an exhibition of “Eucalyptus vs. Koala”.

Eucalyptus leaves are hard, rich in fiber and low in nutrients, and contain many toxic chemical substances. The koalas that have successfully bred in the eucalyptus forests are anti-eucalyptus specialists who have developed a variety of traits that are resistant to eucalyptus leaf toxins. Even though he has a cute face, he’s strong inside…!

“Chapter 4 Poison and Humans” looks back on what kind of existence poison was for us humans, such as using it for hunting and warfare, and creating medicine by researching “poison”. This area also introduces the research of “poison”, such as the elucidation of poison through progress and its use.

A replica of a “notched wooden stick” about 24,000 years ago found in Border Cave in South Africa is exhibited as the oldest evidence that humans used poison, and the long history between humans and poison I feel

The Edo period’s “Oshiroi culture,” in which white powder containing toxic ingredients such as lead and mercury was used, and the poison that plants synthesize to protect themselves from predators, invented in Japan in 1890. It was also interesting to see the relationship between Japanese culture and poison, such as mosquito repellent incense using .

There is also an introduction to the technique of “poisonous organism cuisine,” which uses organisms that are normally inedible as ingredients by removing poison and detoxifying them.

I knew about puffer fish and eels, but I didn’t know that cassava, the raw material for tapioca, which caused a big move in Japan a while ago, was also a crop that needed to be detoxified. You can see that the insatiable quest for human food was the driving force to overcome toxicity.

From the exhibits so far, you can clearly understand that the world around us is full of poison. Even now, new poisons are being born and discovered… As long as humans live, we have no choice but to live with poisons . .

The exhibition concludes with a symbolic display of poison that invites us to look back at the entire venue and reconsider what kind of existence poison is, and how we, who cannot escape from poison, should face it.

At the second venue on the way to the exhibition special shop, you can read (or watch) an interview with the nine researchers who supervised this exhibition and what “poison” means to the “Hawk’s Talon”. I made it.

In particular, the answers to the question, “Is there anything you should be careful not to get poisoned by?”

Many original goods for this exhibition such as T-shirts, encyclopedia-style underlays, and pouches with pop designs are on sale at the special exhibition shop. The large stuffed fly agaric and tsukiyotake mushrooms are also cute, but the “Special Exhibition ‘Poison’ Branded Manju” is a surprising item. The red bean paste inside is also made with purple sweet potatoes, making it even more poisonous.

The special exhibition “Poison” explores the past and future of the relationship between humans and poisons while touching upon the mysteries and surprises of poisons. Some of the exhibitions include centipedes, poisonous insects, etc., so if you are not good at it, please be careful, but please try to step into the deep world of poison.

Overview of the special exhibition “Poison”

exhibition period	November 1, 2022 (Tuesday) to February 19, 2023 (Sunday) *Exhibition dates are subject to change.
venue	National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
Opening hours	9:00-17:00 (entrance until 16:30)
closing day	Monday, December 28 (Wednesday) – January 1 (Sunday/holiday), January 10 (Tuesday) *Open on January 2nd (Mon/holiday), 9th (Mon/holiday), and February 13th (Mon).
Admission fee (tax included)	[General/university students] 2,000 yen [Elementary/middle/high school students] 600 yen *Admission must be made online for a specified date and time. *Admission is free for preschool children, persons with a disability certificate, and one caregiver. Please note that a reservation for a specific date and time is required.
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Exhibition official website	https://www.dokuten.jp/
organizer	National Museum of Nature and Science / Yomiuri Shimbun / Fuji Television Network
supervision	・Tsuyoshi Hosoya (Director, Botanical Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・Masanori Nakae (Research Director, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・Natsuhiko Yoshikawa (Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・Tatsuya Ide (Researcher, Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・Nobuyuki Tanaka (Director of the Terrestrial Plant Research Group, Plant Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・ Kentaro Hosaka (Chief Researcher, Fungi and Algae Research Group, Botanical Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・ Yukiyasu Tsutsumi (Chief Researcher, Mineral Science Research Group, Geology Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・Kazuhiro Sakaue (Director, Human History Research Group, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Nature and Science) ・Shun Hayashi (Researcher, Science and Engineering Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science)

*The content of the article is as of the date of coverage (October 31, 2022). For the latest information, please check the official website of the exhibition.

 

Article provided by: kokosil Ueno

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Tokyo National Museum

*This article was written on October 22, 2022. Please note that some of the exhibited works introduced have already ended their exhibition period. (December 1, 2022)

From October 18th to December 11th, 2022, the Tokyo National Museum (hereinafter referred to as Tohaku) will hold a special exhibition "National Treasures: All About the Tokyo National Museum" .

In this exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the museum, all 89 national treasures owned by the Tokyo Expo, as well as many important cultural properties will be on display! Even if you're not an art fan, you can't miss the content.

Since I participated in the press preview that was held prior to the event, I will report in detail on the state of the venue, which is too luxurious.

*Advance reservations are required for this exhibition (specified date and time).
*Exhibitions will be changed during the exhibition period.
*All works are owned by the Tokyo National Museum unless otherwise specified.

It will be difficult to realize in the next 50 years! ? Opening of a marvelous exhibition

The special exhibition "National Treasures: All of the Tokyo National Museum" aims to introduce the entire picture of Tohaku, the museum with the longest history of 150 years in Japan. This is an exhibition that displays masterpieces, including , and related materials that tell the history of 150 years since the Meiji era.

Tohaku's collection of national treasures is the largest in Japan, with 89 works representing about 10% of the arts and crafts currently designated as national treasures. Just by looking at the number, you should be able to understand how special this exhibition is.

Of course, such an exhibition is unprecedented, the first in history!
At a press conference held in May of this year, even the researchers of the Tokyo Expo said that they had never seen a scene in which all 89 national treasures were displayed.

It seems that it was very difficult to adjust the detailed exhibition plan from several years ago, and he said, "The next exhibition may be held at the 200th anniversary, 50 years later ." It may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so if you are interested, I would like you to adjust your schedule.

Tohaku Hasegawa, Sesshu, Koetsu Honami…The essence of beauty can now be found at the Tokyo Expo

This exhibition consists of two parts, " Part 1: National Treasures of the Tokyo National Museum" and "Part 2: 150 Years of the Tokyo National Museum ."

"Part 1 National Treasures of the Tokyo National Museum" is an area where only national treasures are simply displayed as far as the eye can see. The breakdown of the 89 national treasures is 21 paintings, 14 calligraphy, 4 oriental paintings, 10 oriental calligraphy, 11 Horyuji treasures, 6 archeology, 4 lacquer works, and 19 swords .

*Please note that all national treasures cannot be viewed in one visit, as they are all open to the public, including exhibition changes. (It seems that around 60 national treasures can be viewed in one visit at any time.)
In addition, all exhibition schedules are published on the exhibition official website .

When you enter the venue, instead of a greeting, you will be greeted by Tohaku Hasegawa, a painter who was active in the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

It is one of the National Treasures that makes you think, "This is what Tohaku is all about." Its elegant appearance takes your breath away every time you see it. You can even feel the humidity of the cool air surrounding the pine forest. The pine tree has a mysterious and mysterious atmosphere, but if you look closer, you will be overwhelmed by the surprisingly intense brushwork.

It is said to be the pinnacle of Japanese ink painting, but the interesting point is that there is suspicion that it was actually a sketch.

The statue of Kujaku Myo-o, a Buddhist painting representative of the Heian period, has a beautiful symmetrical composition, and the gorgeous colors such as red, gold, green, and indigo are eye-catching.

The skin is faint and reddish, and the outline is pink, giving it a plump and soft impression. Myoo has an angry face by default, but Kujaku Myoo is an exception, and this Peacock Myoo also has a gentle and loving expression like a bodhisattva. When I face each other, my heart becomes more and more calm.

If you look even closer, you can see the wonderful kirikane patterns that use gold leaf and gold paint on clothes, accessories, and peacock feathers! It's hard to notice because it's faded over time, but the craftsmanship of the lower body is a must-see. How bright was it at the time?

Peacock Myo-o is said to ward off people's misfortunes, but since the auspicious fruit he holds is a pomegranate, which is also considered a symbol of the prosperity of his descendants, it is believed that the painting was commissioned by high-ranking aristocrats to pray for safe childbirth. that there is

Also worth noting is the Kamakura era battle picture scroll masterpiece Heiji Monogatari Emaki Rokuhara Gyoko Scroll .

Based on the Heiji Rebellion, it depicts the situation before and after the imprisoned Emperor Nijo tried to escape while dressed as a court lady and escaped to Kiyomori Taira's Rokuhara residence. It is a work that you can enjoy the realistic depiction of the samurai's armor and swords, but because the total length is about 9m50cm, it seems that it is not common for exhibitions to display all of them due to space limitations.

However, it is indeed a national treasure exhibition! It was exhibited so that all scenes could be appreciated without omission. However, it will be open to the public until October 30th. Please note that the exhibition is for 2 weeks only.

Among the calligraphy, it is said to have been written by Emperor Shomu , and its magnificent large characters with plenty of ink are attractive. , 8th century, exhibition period: October 18th to November 13th), and Murasaki Shikibu, one of the Sanseki, wrote in "The Tale of Genji", The calligraphy looks so dazzling. ” You can appreciate works such as the Enchin-Giho-in Dai-Osho-I-Nami-Sho-Daishi Post-God Chronicle by calligrapher Ono Michifu.

Kokin Wakashu (Kokin Wakashu) is the oldest surviving relic of the Kokin Wakashu in its original binding. Luxurious writing paper that feels the sense of beauty is also a highlight.

The writing is composed mostly of kana, and the light brush strokes that match the writing paper seemed to convey the rhythm of the waka poems when read aloud.

For convenience, I have introduced some of the many paintings and calligraphy works, but to be honest, there are only highlights!

Some of the works, such as the Eta Funayama Tumulus excavated items , gave me the opportunity to learn that there were national treasures like this, but basically the old ones are from B.C. to the Edo period in the 19th century. The work will appear soon. It is frightening that the captions of the works are lined with unusual adjectives such as "the oldest in existence" and "the highest peak".

The aura of the National Treasures will burn your brain, so we recommend that you make sure you are in good physical condition and have enough time to stay and take breaks.

By the way, as you can see in the picture, the exhibition space is quite wide and there are many chairs, so it seems that you can go around at your own pace.

As the exhibition progresses, Kano Eitoku's Cypress Screen Folding Screen (Exhibition period: 11/1-11/27), Iwasa Matabei's Rakuchu Rakugai-Zu Folding Screen (Funaki Version) (Exhibition period: 11/15-12) /11), Korin Ogata's "Yatsuhashi Maki-e Mother-of-Pearl Inkstone Box" (Exhibition period: November 15-December 11) will appear.

You can also enjoy “Mikazuki” by Mikazuki Munechika! "National Treasure Sword Room"

Before the opening, it became a hot topic on SNS, etc., but in the second half of the first part, the "National Treasure Sword Room" appeared, where only 19 national treasure swords were collected .

It is a story that he was very particular about the display case and lighting so that he could appreciate the blade pattern and metals more beautifully. Certainly, the entire space is dark, so the lighting in the work looks great.

A sword that suddenly emerges in a solemn atmosphere. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of admiration at the lustrous beauty of the glittering tip.

Mikazuki Munechika, Okanehei, Oohannya Nagamitsu, Koryu Kagemitsu, Atsutoushiro Shiro, and Kikko Sadamune , who are the motifs of the characters in the popular game "Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-", have also been discovered!
Isn't it an irresistible space for fans?

What attracted attention was Mikazuki Munechika wearing an elegant sword, displayed in the center of the "National Treasure Sword Room". It is a representative work of Munechika, who was active in the late Heian period in Sanjo, Kyoto, and is known as a master craftsman of the early stage of Japanese swords. increase.

I could see a series of small scratches called uchi-no-ke on the blade pattern. It looks like a crescent moon, and because it is beautiful and rare, it is said that the name "crescent moon" was attached.

This is my first meeting with Mikazuki Munechika. Although I knew the origin of the name, I had assumed that it had a single large pattern that could be recognized as a crescent moon, so I was surprised to find that it actually had small dots.

To be honest, my first impression was, "It looks like a crescent moon… can you see it…?"

At a press conference prior to the event, it was announced that, like Mikazuki Munechika, Dojikiri Yasutsuna, who is famous as a Japanese sword in its early stages, actually has exactly the same blade dimensions. Since I was listening to the story, I decided to actually compare it with "There is such a coincidence!"

The impression of the appearance is quite different, and Mikazuki Munechika is a slender sword that tapers toward the tip. Dojigiri Yasutsuna, on the other hand, has a solid, powerful sword with a somewhat wild feel. Also, Mikazuki Munechika has a strong angle between the stem of the handle and the blade, or rather, it is strongly aligned, but Dojigiri Yasutsuna draws a smooth curve between the stem and the blade. It looked like there was

This difference may be due to the regional culture of the author Yasutsuna, who was based in Hoki Province (present-day Tottori Prefecture), as opposed to Munechika, who was based in Kyoto. I was wondering if there would be any. The same national treasure, the same era, and the same dimensions, but the beauty of the swords is completely different. This extravagant way of enjoying is probably unique to this exhibition.

Among the exhibited works, the swords in particular have something that can only be seen when the light slides over the blade. You can enjoy the charm in the best exhibition space full of commitment, so I sincerely recommend it to those who are not fans of swords!

Regarding swords, all 19 cases are open to the public throughout the year.

Stuffed giraffes also return home for the first time in about 100 years! Looking back on 150 years of Tokyo Expo

Tohaku has its roots in the Museum of the Ministry of Education, which was born in 1872 as a result of the Yushima Seido Exposition held at the Taiseiden of the former Yushima Seido. In order to promote the modernization of Japan , to disseminate Japanese culture both domestically and internationally, and to protect cultural assets, the museum was originally intended to be a comprehensive museum with the functions of a botanical garden, a zoo, and a library .

In 1882, he moved his base to Ueno and started full-scale activities. In 1886 (Meiji 19), the museum came under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Ministry , and in 1889 (Meiji 22), it was renamed the "Imperial Museum", and in 1900 (Meiji 33), it was renamed "Tokyo Imperial Household Museum". At this time, it was positioned as a cultural symbol of the nation, as well as a temple of beauty that protected the treasures of the imperial family, and gradually strengthened its character as a museum of history and art.

The current main building opened in 1938, and after the end of the war, the jurisdiction changed from the Imperial Household Ministry to the Ministry of Education again. In 1952, the name was changed to the current "Tokyo National Museum" , and it continues to this day with new facilities such as the Oriental Museum, Museum, and Horyuji Treasure Museum.

In the National Treasures Exhibition, followed by "Part 2: 150 Years of the Tokyo National Museum," collections and related materials that tell the story of the Tokyo National Museum's 150-year history are displayed in three stages. You can relive the steps from the Meiji era.

"Chapter 1: The Birth of the Museum (1872-1885)" introduces works exhibited at the Yushima Seido Exposition, which triggered the birth of the Tohaku, with a focus on the early Tohaku collection. In order to recreate the atmosphere of the exposition, there is a life-size replica of the golden dolphin of Nagoya Castle, which was said to have been the most popular at the time.

It is said that some of the display cases were actually used over 100 years ago and have been repaired and put to good use, so be sure to check them out. The retro atmosphere is irresistible.

Even the author, who lives in the Reiwa era, was astonished by the brown-glazed crab-covered pedestal bowl and the eagle figurine , which made the world know about the high level of Japanese craftsmanship in the Meiji period.

A pot with brown glaze crab affixed to a table by Kazan Miyagawa I, a pioneer of exporting ceramics, was held in Ueno Park in 1881, and the second exhibition attracted more than 800,000 people in about four months. Works exhibited at the National Industrial Exhibition. It is a work with a dynamic composition in which a crab, which looks as if it is about to start moving at any moment, is hooking its claws on the edge of a vessel.

On the other hand, "Eagle Figurine" is a representative work of Chokichi Suzuki, a master of wax mold casting representing the Meiji era. After being exhibited at the Chicago World's Fair held in the United States in 1893 (Meiji 26), it was acquired by the Tohaku. From a distance, it looks so lively that it can be mistaken for a stuffed animal.

There is also an exhibition of Cannonballs (Four Lobster Cannons) , which is related to the birth of Tokyo Expo.

During the Ueno War that occurred in 1868 (Meiji 1), this is the actual cannonball that the new Meiji government forces fired at the former shogunate forces, including the Shogitai, who barricaded themselves in Kan'eiji Temple. Currently, Kaneiji Temple is adjacent to the north side of Tohaku, but in fact, the land of Ueno Park was the precincts of Kaneiji Temple during the Edo period.

Kan'ei-ji Temple, which was considered to have sheltered the Shogitai, once had all of its precincts confiscated. After that, there were twists and turns, most of the land was transformed into Ueno Park, and museums and expositions were held to promote modernization. I think that today's Ueno Park, and by extension the Tokyo Expo, exist because it was a burnt-out land in the Ueno War and was just the right place to build a town. Although it is a sad event, it may be said that the Ueno War was one of the reasons for the birth of Tohaku.

"Chapter 2: The Imperial Family and Museums (1886-1946)" features the Tokyo Expo when it was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Imperial Household. We also introduce works that show the connection with the imperial family.

In relation to the imperial family, the giant carriage called "Horen" had a particularly noble aura. It is said that Emperor Komei and Emperor Meiji actually rode the phoenix, which was used by the emperor when he visited.

In 1890 (Meiji 23), there was a system called the Imperial Household Technician System, which was established by the Imperial Family as a system to protect and encourage outstanding artists. It is said that

"Flowers in a Bottle" is a work by Kuroda Seiki, the first Western-style painter to be appointed as an Imperial Household Technician. At the bottom right of the screen is the signature "Kuroda Seiki's copy", which is rare for Kuroda's work. It suggests a special history of being an offering to the imperial family.

Also, there is a stuffed giraffe specimen that gives you a sense of the remnants of the Tokyo Expo when it was aiming to be a general museum!

Natural history materials such as specimens of animals, plants and minerals were transferred to the Tokyo Museum (currently the National Museum of Nature and Science) after the Great Kanto Earthquake. It has become a form of going home.

He was one of the first two giraffes to come to Japan alive from Germany in 1907, and his name was "Fanji." He was raised at the Ueno Zoo, which was part of the Tokyo Expo at the time, and became popular with many people.

"Chapter 3: Towards a New Museum (1947-2022)" describes the activities that Tohaku has undertaken since the end of World War II, as a museum open to the public, in response to the changing times and changes in society. The future prospects are introduced along with representative post-war collections.

Many famous works are on display here as well as in the national treasure area, such as Korin Ogata's "Fujin Raijin-zu Folding Screen" , which is an important cultural property, and "Shakoki Dogu", which many people may think of as clay figurines. It was done.

As the latest collection of Reiwa, the appearance of the "Kongo Rikishi Statue" that became the collection of the Tokyo National Museum in February this year.

These two statues were once enshrined at the Niomon Gate of Rendaiji Temple in Shiga Prefecture, but they were destroyed by the Muroto Typhoon in 1934. Although it remained broken for a long time, it was repaired over the course of two years and restored to its former appearance, making its debut at this exhibition.

It is one of the few standing statues of Kongo Rikishi from the late Heian period. It is about 2m80cm in size, and is the largest among the Buddha statues owned by the Tohaku. You can enjoy the 360-degree view of their muscular bodies and angry expressions.

In addition, this work also introduces the basic activities of the Tokyo Expo, such as the collection, storage, preservation, and restoration of cultural properties.

At the exit, Moronobu Hishikawa's "Mikaeri Bijin Zu" sees visitors off. Or does it represent the feelings of the visitors who involuntarily look back at the venue with regret?

By the way, photography was allowed only for the Kongo Rikishi Statue and the Mikaeri Bijinzu, which will be described later.

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During its 150 years of history, the Tokyo Expo has hosted several exhibitions that have been handed down from generation to generation, such as "Tutankhamun Exhibition" (1965) and "Mona Lisa Exhibition" (1974). All of the National Treasures of the Tokyo National Museum will surely be one of them.

Tokyo National Museum 150th Anniversary Special Exhibition “All About the National Treasures of the Tokyo National Museum” Overview

*Advance reservations are required for this exhibition (specified date and time). For details, please check the official website of the exhibition.
*Some of the works on display will be changed during the exhibition period.

exhibition period	October 18th (Tue) – December 11th (Sun), 2022
venue	Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan
Opening hours	9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *Open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (General cultural exhibition closes at 5:00 p.m.)
closing day	Monday
Viewing fee (tax included)	General 2,000 yen, university students 1,200 yen, high school students 900 yen *Advance reservations are required for this exhibition (specified date and time). *Junior high school students and younger are free. However, advance reservation is required. Please show your student ID when entering the building. * Free for persons with disabilities and one caregiver. Advance reservations are not required. Please show your disability certificate when entering the building. Admission is until 30 minutes before closing. *Tickets are not sold at the ticket office at the main gate of the Tokyo National Museum.
organizer	Tokyo National Museum, Mainichi Shimbun, NHK, NHK Promotions, Japan Arts Council, Agency for Cultural Affairs
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Exhibition official website	https://tohaku150th.jp/

*The content of the article is as of the time of the interview. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Article provided by: kokosil Ueno

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