Exhibition Schedule

Open Hours

11:00~18:00* 11:00~19:00 on Fridays
(Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Day Closed

Mondays during the exhibition
(Open on public holidays, closed on the following weekday)

The history of flower containers in Japan is believed to have begun with their introduction from China as ceremonial tools in Buddhist temples. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), indoor arts such as linked verse, the tea ceremony, and flower arranging flourished. This led to zashiki kazari (tatami-floored reception room decoration), which involved displaying imported Chinese paintings and calligraphic works, furnishings, tea utensils, and writing implements. The decoration of formal palace rooms and related etiquette, known as shitsurai, followed a protocol centered on these Chinese imports. These displays featured Chinese flower containers, incense burners, incense containers, and tenmoku tea bowls. Inspired by imported Chinese metal flower containers, Japan began producing its own containers from various materials such as ceramics and bamboo from the medieval period onward, giving birth to a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. This exhibition showcases artworks related to flower containers from the Sumitomo Collection. Concurrently, we will present a collection of flower vases donated by ikebana master OGO Rimei.

Open Hours

11:00~18:00* 11:00~19:00 on Fridays
(Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Day Closed

Mondays during the exhibition
(Open on public holidays, closed on the following weekday)

This is part of our exhibition series “Spotlight on KONOSHIMA Okoku,” which showcases the entire series Folding Screens of the Four Seasons painted by KONOSHIMA Okoku for the SUMITOMO family’s principal residence, built in the Chausuyama area of Tennoji Ward in Osaka during the early twentieth century. The exhibition highlights the distinctive characteristics of Okoku’s painting style. This time, we focus particularly on his figure paintings while expanding the display of his sketchbooks, presenting them alongside the finished paintings they inspired.
Additionally, we will exhibit artworks restored through the cultural property maintenance and restoration grant program supported by the Sumitomo Foundation, offering a glimpse into the forefront of cultural property restoration.

Open Hours

11:00~18:00* 11:00~19:00 on Fridays
(Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Day Closed

Mondays during the exhibition
(Open on public holidays, closed on the following weekday)

The patterns and motifs created in ancient China are not only examples of exceptional design but also convey to us the rich imagination of the people of that time, reflecting their mythological world and views on life and death. This exhibition primarily features the Sumitomo Collection’s internationally acclaimed bronze mirrors, presenting the ancient Chinese worldview in an accessible manner. Additionally, we will explore the influence on Japanese culture and art through the legends of Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West) and Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day, known as Tanabata in Japan).

Open Hours

11:00~18:00* 11:00~19:00 on Fridays
(Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Day Closed

Mondays during the exhibition
(Open on public holidays, closed on the following weekday)

Meissen, one of Europe’s most renowned porcelain manufacturers, was founded in Germany, in the 18th century. Meissen succeeded in producing Europe’s first porcelain and has continued to create numerous masterpieces to this day.
While early Meissen products have been particularly popular in Japan, there are many outstanding yet lesser-known products from the “contemporary Meissen” period, starting around 1960. The porcelain created by combining Meissen’s advanced porcelain-making techniques with the rich talents of their artist groups specializing in molding, design, and figurine creation is of exceptionally high quality, truly deserving the title of “porcelain art.”
This exhibition will showcase the beautiful porcelain art of contemporary Meissen, focusing on masterpieces by Heinz Werner (1928–2019), a great master who was also very fond of Japan. Werner created representative series such as Arabian Nights, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Baron Munchausen. As a prologue, we will also introduce early Meissen products, offering a retrospective of the manufacturer’s journey. This unprecedented Meissen exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the brand’s evolution.