‘Samurai’, a term now known throughout the world, brings to mind a range of images from the warring lords who lived through the Sengoku period, to the samurai characters in period dramas, as well as present-day athletes. ‘Samurai’ and the word ‘bushi’ used interchangeably have carried different connotations at different points in history and likewise have been portrayed in various ways in art.
The exhibition will showcase approximately 30 samurai-themed paintings and craftworks centered around ‘paintings depicting bushi’, such as Yoritomo, Yoshitsune and other heroes of the Minamoto clan, the dignified processions of the daimyos (feudal lords), the majestic horse festivals and gruesome battles, featuring ‘works by warrior class painters’, Watanabe Kazan marking the 180th anniversary of their deaths and Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige, as well as folding screens related to buke (samurai family) and bugei (use of arms).
In the land of Hakone, with a deep connection to samurai history, where the Hakone Shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Soga brothers sits atop a mountain, and located close to the Ishibashiyama historic battlefield and Odawara Castle, we hope you will enjoy the world of SAMURAI which established the history of Japan.

Feature Exhibit – Chinese Celadon

Among the vast array of Chinese ceramics with their remarkable long history, celadon developed and flourished over many years. Since ancient times, while pursuing the ideal color, a plethora of celadon wares with refined shapes and patterns were created using advanced techniques. Celadons were highly prized as sublime pottery by successive emperors of China.