Izumo and Yamato: The Birth of Ancient Japan

Tokyo National Museum

NOW CLOSED

Jikokuten (Dhrtarastra) (detail; 7th century), Nara, Japan. Courtesy Tokyo National Museum

Marking 1,300 years since the creation of the Nihon Shoki – the first full official history of Japan – this exhibition presents a group of manuscripts, sculptures and other artefacts that together shed light on the two narratives contained in the Shoki: that of Izumo, sacred realm of the Shinto gods, and that of Yamato, where humans first dwelt. Find out more from the Tokyo National Museum’s website.

Preview the exhibition below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

The Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki), Volume 2 (1375–77), Aichi, Japan.

The Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki), Volume 2 (1375–77), Aichi, Japan. Courtesy Tokyo National Museum

Healing Buddha Yakushi Triad (Purportedly) (7th–8th century), Nara, Japan.

Carving, purportedly depicting Healing Buddha Yakushi Triad (7th–8th century), Nara, Japan. Courtesy Tokyo National Museum

Ritual bell (dōtaku) (2nd–1st century BC), Unnan City, Japan.

Ritual bell (dotaku) (2nd–1st century BC), Unnan City, Japan. Courtesy Tokyo National Museum

Cosmetic box with deer in autumn field (13th century), Shimane, Japan.

Cosmetic box with deer in autumn field (13th century), Shimane, Japan. Courtesy Tokyo National Museum

Jikokuten (Dhrtarastra) (7th century), Nara, Japan.

Jikokuten (Dhrtarastra) (7th century), Nara, Japan. Courtesy Tokyo National Museum