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Art exhibitionDec 22 (Tue) – Mar 22 (Mon)

Special Feature: Tea Utensils and Their Accompaniments (Kyoto National Museum)

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Shichijo
Kyoto National Museum
Dates
Dec 22 (Tue) – Mar 22 (Mon)
Hours
9:30 – 17:00 (Fridays until 20:00); last entry 30 min before closing
Price
General ¥700, university students ¥350; free for high school and under, under 18 and 70+
Where
Kyoto National Museum (Shichijo)
Pochikichi
Here's the highlight

National Treasure Oido Tea Bowl, Kizaemon

Good to know

Open until17:00from 09:30
PriceGeneral ¥700, university students ¥350;

A feature exhibition of tea utensils with their boxes, pouches and other accompaniments. Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays; last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Dates
Dec 22 (Tue) – Mar 22 (Mon)
Hours
9:30 – 17:00 (Fridays until 20:00); last entry 30 min before closing
Venue
Kyoto National Museum
Nearest station
Shichijo
Admission
General ¥700, university students ¥350; free for high school and under, under 18 and 70+

About this event

The National Treasure Oido Tea Bowl named Kizaemon is displayed alongside objects that have protected and accompanied it through history. In Japanese tea culture, boxes and fabric pouches are important parts of a utensil's legacy. Together these accessories are called shidai. The exhibition also includes a black Raku tea bowl named Mukiguri by Chojiro and tea utensils made by Nonomura Ninsei. Instead of focusing only on ceramics, the display explores how objects were preserved and passed between owners.

Highlights

  • National Treasure Oido Tea Bowl, Kizaemon
  • Black Raku tea bowl Mukiguri by Chojiro
  • Tea utensils by Nonomura Ninsei
  • Boxes and fabric pouches that accompany tea utensils
Good for
For visitors interested in tea culture, Japanese ceramics and the history of treasured objects.

Good to know before you go

  • University students must present student identification.
  • Visitors eligible for age-based free admission must show proof of age.
  • Admission includes all exhibitions in the Heisei Chishinkan building on the same day.
  • Eligible disability certificate holders and one accompanying caregiver receive free admission.
Pochikichi's story corner

Why are the boxes and fabric pouches of tea utensils treasured?

The history of a Japanese tea utensil is not recorded only in the object itself. Its protective boxes, bags and other accompanying objects have also been preserved. Together they are known as shidai.

These accessories include tomobako, boxes associated with the original maker, and shifuku, fabric pouches that could be commissioned by successive owners. They offer clues to the care and ownership of an object.

The exhibition includes the National Treasure Oido Tea Bowl named Kizaemon, held by Kohoan in Kyoto, along with works by Chojiro and Nonomura Ninsei.

When viewing these objects, pay as much attention to their boxes and pouches as to the ceramics themselves.

Sources: Kyoto National Museum: Tea Utensils and Their Accompanying Objects (Japanese)

Long ago, around here

What stood on the museum grounds before the modern galleries?

The Kyoto National Museum site was developed for museum use during the Meiji period. Government regulations establishing imperial museums in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara were issued in 1889.

Construction of the exhibition hall designed by Tokuma Katayama began in 1892. The building was completed in 1895, and the Imperial Kyoto Museum opened in 1897.

The modern Heisei Chishinkan building, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, opened in 2014. Walk through the grounds and compare its architecture with that of the historic Meiji Kotokan.

Sources: Kyoto National Museum: Museum Overview (Japanese), Kyoto National Museum: Buildings (Japanese)

Also nearby

Within walking distance, with dates overlapping

Next stop: book for later today PR

Experiences near here you can book on Klook.

Gion Walking TourGion and Yasaka Pagoda small-group walking tour→Sushi CookingHands-on sushi workshop in English→

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🍜 Where to eat after

Restaurants near here on Google Maps→

Many restaurants in Kyoto take reservations, and some are cash only. Check the restaurant page before you go.

FAQ

What is Special Feature: Tea Utensils and Their Accompaniments (Kyoto National Museum)?
The National Treasure Oido Tea Bowl named Kizaemon is displayed alongside objects that have protected and accompanied it through history. In Japanese tea culture, boxes and fabric pouches are important parts of a utensil's legacy. Together these accessories are called shidai. The exhibition also includes a black Raku tea bowl named Mukiguri by Chojiro and tea utensils made by Nonomura Ninsei. Instead of focusing only on ceramics, the display explores how objects were preserved and passed between owners.
When is Special Feature: Tea Utensils and Their Accompaniments (Kyoto National Museum)?
From Dec 22 (Tue) to Mar 22 (Mon), 2027.
What are the opening hours?
9:30 – 17:00 (Fridays until 20:00); last entry 30 min before closing
How much does it cost?
General ¥700, university students ¥350; free for high school and under, under 18 and 70+
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
Kyoto National Museum. The nearest station is Shichijo.

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