OKURA MUSEUM
Created in 1917, it is one of the first private museums in Japan. It houses an extraordinary collection that includes many Japanese, Indian and Chinese antiquities. It was originally the private collection of Kihachirō Ōkura, the owner of the Imperial Hotel and whose son created the hotel Ōkura, and it reflects his vast interest in the arts, as it includes masks, sculptures, calligraphy and kimonos. On the ground floor there are many Indian and Chinese sculptures dating from the 5th to 13th centuries, including a bronze statue of Vishnu from Nepal dating from the 9th century, and a very old representation of Buddha from the 5th century. There is also a Kannon des Song (12th century), a Japanese statue of Fugen (Buddha of Longevity) from the Fujiwara period (12th century) and a statue of the monk Hōren from the 13th century. On the first floor, emakimono (a painting illustrating a literary text wrapped around a piece of wood) by Nobuzane Fujiwara (1177-1265) and kakemono (a French portrait painting) from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Other paintings strongly resemble those of the school of Kanō. One can also admire 17th century screens executed by Morikage Kusumi, of the Kanō school, or by the founder of this school, Tanyū Kanō himself. In another register, beautiful masks from nō and kyōgen from the Edo period are also on display. The whole is eclectic, but truly striking!
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on OKURA MUSEUM
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.