N o r t h   W i n g

Spring March 16 trough June 10, 1999
The North Wing houses the museum's Japanese Collection, which contains 75 superb works of art, encompassing Korean art, Buddhist art, early modern painting, Tea Ceremony objects, early modern crafts, works by Ogata Kenzan, and more. Highlights from the collection include beautiful blue Korean celadon ceramics; an illustrated Ingakyo Sutra, which dates from the 8th century and still retains its vivid colors; a folding screen by the 16th century painter Hasegawa Tohaku; a sculpture of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, carved during the Heian Period (784 - 1185); and many more. Forty works will be on public display for the first time.

Plate with poem and landscape design
Plate with poem and landscape design
Kenzan Ware, Edo period, 18th century
Although it is ceramic ware, this fascinating work is fashioned like a piece of colored paper on which a waka poem is written. The poem is by Fujiwara no Takamitsu and appears in the Shuiwakashu. It reads: "Cherry blossoms lie scattered after the coming of spring. Only their fragrance remain on the branches." The picture of the cherry tree with its petals strewn about adds splashes of brilliance to this work. Once owned by the celebrated officeholder, Inoue, this work was apparently part of a screen that was placed in front of a brazier during the Tea Ceremony.

Green Pine and White Sail
Green Pine and White Sail
By Ike no Taiga
Edo period, 18th century, hanging scroll, ink on paper
From Taiga's bold brush one can almost breathe in the singular fragrance of newly sprouted pine needles as the wind blows against a rugged tree trunk. The scene commands a view of a sailboat floating in the far distance. This is one of the finest works of Taiga, a master of the Southern-style painting.

Kongoman Bosatsu
Kongõman Bosatsu
Heian period, 12th century, hanging scroll, color on paper
This Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) holds a woven ribbon. In one corner of the Kongokai mandala, he is depicted as the image parising the principal Buddha, Dainichi Nyorai(Mahavairocana). Even after 700 years the reds and yellows are still brilliant.

Sprinkler, celadon with carved and incised willow and birds design
Sprinkler, celadon with carved and incised willow and birds design
Korea, Koryo dynasty, 12th century
This sprinkler, with its well-balanced form, has a refreshing jade-colored glaze.On its surface charming water fowl swim between blooming lotus on a pond.

Summer July 20 through August 22, 1999
Drum cylinder with thunder and lightning makie decoration
Drum cylinder with thunder and lightning makie decoration
Muromachi period,
15th century

Exhibition:
 Lacquer ware from the Miho Museum Collection

The Japanese are so renowned for their lacquer ware that the word "Japan" in the English language refers not only to the name of a country but to lacquer and the art of making lacquer ware.
Approximately fifty items from the Miho Museum Collection will be shown in rooms organized according to themes: mother-of-pearl inlays, tea ceremony, makie decoration, and Negoro lacquer ware. These areas will display the quintessence of this color-rich, traditional craft.
Large Tray
Large Tray
Muromachi period, 15th century
red lacquered wood
The makie decoration (the gold lacquer) technique, developed during the Nara period, is the basis of this craft and is unique to Japan.
The brilliance of the gold embedding in a jet-black background can be seen as a symbol of the golden nation of Zipang, which is Japan.
Two letters written by the celebrated military leader who helped unite Japan, Nobunaga Oda, requesting a private viewing of the drum will be on display as well. Other examples of makie decoration, dating from the Kamakura to Edo periods (12th-19th century) will also be shown.

As an example of mother-of-pearl lacquer ware, "Flat quiver with phoenix and hosoge motifs" (designated an Important Cultural Property) has attracted much attention. Its glistening rainbow never fails to enchant visitors from throughout the world. This decorative technique of using mother-of-pearl, which reached its apex during the Chinese Tang dynasty (7th-10th century), can be found among the treasures of Shosoin of the Todaiji temple in Nara. This superb work is a particularly fine example of the imperial court culture that blossomed in Heian period (8th-12th century).
Tea ceremony lacquered objects and Negoro lacquer ware will be displayed. These works express a uniquely Japanese aesthetic sense.
Works of Korean art and Kenzan ceramics also are on view in the North Wing during this exhibition.
Flat quiver with phoenix and hosoge floral motifs
Flat quiver with phoenix and hosoge floral motifs
Late Heian period, 12th century
Flat quiver with phoenix and hosoge floral motifs