temporary closure（2022/3/21–3/30）
Buddhist Paintings
-Pure Land Buddhism Paintings and Soetsu Yanagi
March 31st (Thu) to June 12th (Sun), 2022
Soetsu Yanagi, founder of the Museum, was also known as an excellent aesthetician and he pursued the principle of beauty of crafts in Buddhism. Pure Land Buddhism especially inspired the formation of Yanagi’s philosophy, and he wrote ‘Nami Amidabutsu’ in his late 1955, which is considered to be the best masterpiece among his writings. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to show Medieval Buddhist paintings collected by Yanagi which had not been introduced all together so far.
Amida Nyorai (Amida Buddha), detail. attributed to Chang-Shūkung. color on silk. Southern Song Dynasty to Yuan Dynsaty
temporary closure（6/13–6/22）
commemorating the 50th anniversary of signing of the Okinawa Reversion Agreement
The Beauty of Okinawa
June 23rd (Thu) to August 21st (Sun), 2022
Okinawa, as Ryukyu Kingdom, has formed a unique culture of their own. It was in 1938 when Soetsu Yanagi visited the island for the first time. Since then he had visited Okinawa four times in total, conducted research, and collected crafts. Then he introduced its attractiveness through exhibitions in the Museum. This year marks the 50th anniversary of signing the Okinawa Reversion Agreement, and we will introduce Okinawa as a treasure chest of beauty again by their outstanding works such as bingata, weaving textiles, ceramics from the Museum collection.
Lined costume, ikat design on blue ground. detail. silk and cotton. Ryukyu Kingdom period, the second half of 18th century to the beginning of 19th century.
temporary closure（8/22–8/31）
Soetsu Yanagi and Joseon Crafts
September 1st (Thu) to November 23rd (Wed), 2022
Soetsu Yanagi paid attention to the crafts of Joseon period in Korean Peninsula from the very beginning, and accomplished a splendid collection through his consistent aesthetic eyes. Then he published many articles regarding Joseon crafts inspired by their beauty, organized exhibitions, and had widely informed the attractiveness of Joseon crafts for his life. This exhibition showcases ceramics, paintings, wood works, stone works, and metal works from the Museum collection, and you will enjoy the beauty which reflect their own spirituality.
Jar with orchid and letters design. Joseon period, the first half of 18th century. 38.8×28.5cm.
temporary closure（11/24–12/9）
New Works Competition and Exhibition 2022
December 10th (Sat) to 25th (Sun), 2022
Dedicated to the pursuit of handicrafts quality for today and the future, the Museum sponsors an annual competition, display, and sale of handmade objects by craftspeople. Anyone can participate in the competition. The categories are: ceramics, textiles (weaving and dyeing), wood work, lacquered ware, metal, bamboo, straw, glass, paper, and others.
poster of the Exhibition, 2021
temporary closure（12/26–1/12）
Celebrating the 100th birthday
Samiro Yunoki Exhibition
January 13th (Fri) to April 2nd (Sun), 2023
The characteristics of dyer Samiro Yunoki’s works are pure patterns and clear colors. This exhibition, celebrating his 100th birthday, introduces his early to recent works as well as craft works from various ages, different production areas and techniques. Well-harmonized with these works, Yunoku’s textiles will be full of lively joy, and bring you emotion and charms.
Textile with arabesque design. detail. Samiro Yunoki. cotton, stencil-dyed. 1990.
