Exhibition
Current Exhibition
Elegance of Heian Literature:
The National Treasure The Tale of Genji Screens and the Evolution of Court Esthetics
November 16, 2024 – January 13, 2025
National Treasure
Channel Markers (Miotsukushi) and The Barrier Gate (Sekiya), Scene from The Tale of Genji, by Tawaraya Sōtatsu
Edo period, 1631
National Treasure
Collection of Japanese and Chinese Poems to Sing (Wakan Rōeishū), Known as the Ōta-gire(detail)
Heian period, 11th century
Important cultural property
The Tale of Sumiyoshi (Sumiyoshi Monogatari Emaki)
Kamakura period, 14th century
Lady Murasaki (Murasaki Shikibu), by Tosa Mitsuoki
Edo period, 17th century
Utsusemi (The Shell of the Locust), by Yamamoto Akane
2019 Private Collection
This exhibition focuses on Japanese art inspired by Heian Literature, including calligraphic scrolls, paintings of scenes from the Tale of Genji and Tale of Heiji, and exquisite craftworks. Visitors to this exhibition can enjoy the splendors of Heian literature through artistic masterpieces including sections from the Wakan Rōeishō poetry anthology, known as “Ōta edition”and Tawaraya Sōtatsu’s “Channel Markers”(Miotsukushi) and “The Barrier Gate”(Sekiya) of the Tale of Genji,” both national treasures.
Next Exhibition
Kabuki Prints:
First Exhibition of Treasured Ukiyo-e Prints
January 25 – March 23, 2025
Actors Yamashita Kinsaku as Naniwazu, Ichikawa Danjurô Ⅱ as Sano Genzaemon, Matsumoto Kôshirô as Aoto Saemon By Torii Kiyomasu Ⅱ
Actors Mimas Tokujirô as Yûgiri, Matsumoto Kôshirô Ⅳ as Fujiya Izaemon, with chanters and accompanist, By Torii Kiyonaga
Actor Iwai Kumesaburô Ⅲ Benten Koｚô Kikunosuke, from the series Toyokuni’s Caricature Pictures (Toyokuni manga zue), By Utagawa Toyokuni Ⅲ (Kunisada Ⅰ)
Actor Nakamura Utaemon (Baigyoku Ⅲ) as Gotobei Moritsugu, By Utagawa Toyokuni Ⅲ (Kunisada Ⅰ)
Actor Onoe Kikugorô Ⅴ as Bentenkozô Kikunosuke, By Toyohara Kunichika 
Actor Onoe Kikugorô Ⅴ vacations in Ôisotôryûkan, By Toyohara Kunichika 
Pictorial Gazette of Theater District and New Yoshiwara : Front of the Ichimura-za Theater, By Utagawa Toyokuni Ⅲ (Kunisada)
This exhibition draws on the Seikado Bunko’s collection of nishiki-e to trace the development of polychrome woodblock print depictions of kabuki actors, from early ukiyo-e through nishiki-e to the end of the feudal period and the birth of the Meiji era. Items on show include prints by Kunisada, who produced more portraits of actors than any other ukiyo-e artist, and the first ever exhibition of a previously unseen nishiki-e print by Kunichika, one of his disciples, who was known as the “Sharaku of the Meiji era.” Immerse yourself in the sensual delights of these colorful nishiki-e prints.
Exhibition Schedule 2025-26
Right: Important Cultural Property, Tea-leaf jar with design of Mt.Yoshino in overglaze enamels, By Nonomura Ninsei, 17th century, Edo period, Japan
The Miracle of Black:
Secrets of the Yōhen Tenmoku Tea Bowl
- April 5 (Sat.) – June 22 (Sun.), 2025
Yōhen Tenmoku tea bowls rank among the supreme masterpieces of Chinese ceramics, and only three examples survive anywhere in the world, including one in the Seikado collection. This exhibition focuses on the mysterious black that is the base for the bowl’s shimmering allure, and looks at a diverse range of East Asian artworks that make powerful use of the color black, including ceramics, lacquerware, and Japanese swords. Join us on an exploration of the hidden mysteries of the Yōhen Tenmoku tea bowl based on the latest research.
Right: National Treasure, Segment of Zen paintings leading to enlightenment: Priest Zhichang, By Yintuoluo, 14th century, Yuan dynasty, China
Introduction to Painting:
A Guide to the Wonderful World of Gods, Buddhas, and Humans
- July 5 (Sat.) – September 23 (Tue., public holiday), 2025
Exhibition period divided into two phases, with some changes to the items on display.
Part 1: July 5 (Sat.) – August 11 (Mon., public holiday)
Part 2: August 13 (Wed.) – September 23 (Tue., public holiday)
This introductory exhibition focuses on the forms and gestures of gods, buddhas, and humans as they appear in antique works of art. “Who is this figure? What does this pose represent? What are these figures doing?” This accessible exhibition answers these and similar questions about some of the most frequently encountered depictions of human and divine figures in art and explains the stories behind them.
Right: National Treasure, “Landscape in wind and rain”, Attributed to Ma Yuan, 13th century, Southern Song dynasty, China
Special Exhibition to Mark the Osaka/Kansai Expo 2025
Newly Restored Masterpieces:
A Fresh Look at Seikado’s Important Cultural Properties and, National Treasures of the Present and Future!
- October 4 (Sat.) – December 21 (Sun.) 2025
Exhibition period divided into two phases, with some changes to the items on display.
Part 1: October 4 (Sat.) – November 9 (Sun.)
Part 2: November 11 (Tue.) – December 21 (Sun.)
On the occasion of the Osaka/Kansai Expo 2025, this exhibition brings together one national treasure, 13 important cultural properties (nine of them on show for the first time since restoration), and 10-odd pieces that were previously shown at an expo at the beginning of the twentieth century, as well as artworks that will surely become national treasures in the future including a huge painting by Kikuchi Yōsai and some others, appearing in Marunouchi for the first time. This special exhibition showcases some of the highlights of the Seikado collection and shines new light on the esthetic pleasures of East Asian painting.
Right: Colored standing statue of a divine general, 7–8th century, Tang dynasty, China
Battling Buddhist Images
- January 2 (Fri.) – March 22 (Sun.) 2026
Exhibition period divided into two phases, with some changes to the items on display.
Part 1: January 2 (Fri.) – February 8 (Sun.)
Part 2: February 10 (Tue.) – March 22 (Sun.)
Visitors to temples and museums are often surprised to encounter Buddhist images wearing armor and carrying weapons, their eyes ablaze with righteous anger. Who are they battling against, and what are they fighting to protect? This exhibition looks at these “fighting divinities,” focusing on the famous sculptures of the 12 divine generals that once stood in the Jōruriji temple. The exhibition also marks the first appearance in our Marunouchi gallery of figurines of tomb guardians from Tang China, allowing an opportunity to explore the roots from which similar figures developed in Japan.
