Exhibitions
Modern Images of Ancient Clay Figures
Date
Location
Special Exhibition Gallery (1st floor)
The image of Haniwa and Dogu excavated from ancient strata has permeated all over Japan, and they have now become established characters. Unearthed artifacts have generated cultural phenomena in various fields, ranging from arts and crafts to architecture, photography, film, theater, literature, traditional performing arts, thought, and even educational programs. The postwar episode of Okamoto Taro and Isamu Noguchi “discovering” the aesthetic value of excavated objects, which had previously been treated as archaeological materials, is now a legend. Why did unearthed objects attract attention only during a certain period of time? How did the evaluation of them spread? Why were artists so passionate about unearthed artifacts? With a focus on art, this exhibition traces from the Meiji period (1868–1912) to the present day the genealogy of “motifs of unearthed objects” that have leaped onto the stage of cultural history to examine the changing gaze directed toward Haniwa, Jomon potteries, and Dogu.
Highlights
1. Digging behind the scenes of the Haniwa and Dogu craze.
Everyone in Japan has surely encountered Haniwa and Dogu as a child and have become familiar with them. It was not long ago, in fact, that they appeared at the beginning of history textbooks, and it was not until the modern times that they came to be spoken of as “art.” This is an exhibition with a double treat in one, as you will be able to see behind the Haniwa and Dogu fads while appreciating works of art.
2. From archaeological illustrations to manga
A major feature of this exhibition is the wide range of periods and genres addressed. It covers everything from sketches of excavated artifacts from the Meiji period (1868–1912) to manga. Learning that Haniwa and Dogu are connected to all cultures, the landscape may look a little different when you leave our museum.
3. Glasses of Haniwa and Dogu show the future.
The relic booms have always had compelling backgrounds and will surely be repeated in the future. This exhibition will not only be a recollection of the past, but also suggestions of what may happen in the future. The future will be unearthed from antiquity!
Hours & Admissions
- Location
-
Special Exhibition Gallery (1st floor)
- Date
-
October 1–December 22, 2024
- Closed
-
Mondays (except October 14 and November 4), October 15, November 5
- Time
-
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays open until 8:00 p.m.)
- Last admission: 30 minutes before closing.
- Admission
-
Adults ¥1,800 (¥1,600)
College/University students ¥1,200 (¥1,000)
High School students ¥700 (¥500)- All prices include tax.
- Admission in the parentheses is for advance tickets and groups of 20 persons or more.
- Admission is free for Junior High School students, under 15, and those with Disability Certificates and one caregiver accompanying each of them. Please present ID at the entrance.
- Including the admission fee for MOMAT Collection.
- Tickets
-
Advance tickets are on sale from August 1 to September 30 at e-tix online ticket service, and from September 3 to September 29 at the ticket counters.
- Organized by
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The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
NHK, NHK Promotions Inc., The Mainichi Newspapers - With the sponsorship of
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East Japan Railway Company, MITSUMURA PRINTING Co., Ltd.
Accessibility
We do our best to make it possible for all visitors to enjoy the artwork at their leisure.
- Information at the reception desk
- Loan wheelchairs and baby carriages
- Writing tablets
- Photography in the galleries (use of flash is not allowed)However, photography may not be allowed for some exhibitions and artworks.
- Service dogs are allowed.
- Coin lockers
- Parking (exclusively for visitors with reduced mobility)
- There are numerous seating areas inside the museum building.
- Multi-purpose toilet
- First-aid station
- Nursing room