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Current Exhibition (Sept 1st – Nov 18th 2018)

THE ELEGANCE OF JAPANESE SWORDS
-A collection of Japanese Swords and Scabbards-

Exhibition Overview

Japanese swords are sometimes called “iron diamonds” due to the brilliance of their shine and excellence of their shape. Furthermore, the fittings and mountings which protect the swords have come to be regarded as great works of art themselves. This exhibition presents a series of excellent swords and beautiful fittings and mountings, showcasing the variety of their gorgeously decorated styles.

Japanese swords were originally developed as weapons in ancient times. In the middle ages, those in power, such as the aristocracy and local warrior class, showed off their authority by carrying beautifully decorated swords. After this turbulent age died down and the peaceful EDO period began (17th -19th centuries), swords became a symbol of the SAMURAI warriors’ class rather than actual weapons. As a result, more people came to appreciate the design of the swords, and many popular craftsmen making great fittings and mountings emerged and flourished. This is the reason why so many treasured swords, fittings and mountings were created in Japan.

[Hours of Operation]
10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:30 p.m.)
1Closed on September 10,18,25, October 1,9,15,22,29, November 5,12

[Admission Fee]
General ¥1,000
High school students ¥500
Children under15 free
Groups（20 people or more） ¥800

[Curator’s Gallery Talk]
“How to appreciate Japanese swords”
Sunday, September 9 / 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 14 / 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 11 / 2:00-3:00 p.m.
The exhibition room on the 2nd floor

*Ticket Required
*No appointment necessary
*Gallery Talks are presented in Japanese.

[Event]
Iaido performance (The Japanese martial art of drawing sword)
Sunday, November 4 / 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Japanese-style Meeting Room on the 1st floor

Iaido is a traditional swordsmanship which puts more emphasis on counterattack rather than attack first. You can enjoy seeing how real Japanese swords were used through certain forms called “kata”, a position of the body.

*Ticket Required
*No appointment necessary
*This event is presented in Japanese.
*Please be quiet during the performance because Iaido requires performers a great deal of concentration.
*If the room is overcrowded, you may need to stand.

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