Zao Gongen (Kung Fu Buddha) 押出蔵王権現像

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This 15-cm tall artifact is a repoussé image of the deity Zao Gongen, housed at the Tokyo National Museum. Crafted from gilt bronze during the 10th to 12th century, it was discovered at the peak of Mt. Ōmine in Nara Prefecture.

When I saw him for the first time, he didn't have a name. I asked a museum staff member, but she said they'd lost his background information and that sort of thing happened often. That's how I tentatively named him 'Kung Fu Buddha.' 😜 A few years later, the museum retrieved his background information and labeled him Zao Gongen.

Inside and Outside Tokyo National Museum 東京国立博物館の中と外

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The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872. I sometimes visit it, especially when I need to recharge by surrounding myself with beautiful art.

Its exterior is amazing, but that's not all. The interior of each building is just as impressive. Take a look at one of the stained glass windows in the Honkan main building below!

Across the street is Ueno Park, where you'll find a fountain, a peony garden, a zoo, a Starbucks, and, if you're lucky, plenty of food stands! This area is definitely worth spending some time in.

Hyokeikan building during night 夜の表慶館

Rabbit Shaped White Jade Container 白玉兎合子

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This is a rabbit-shaped container housed at the Tokyo National Museum. It was carved from white jade during the Qing dynasty (18th–19th century). It really looks like a rabbit running through a field, doesn't it? The rabbit represents longevity in China.

Waterfowl Shaped Box 白玉水禽形合子

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This is a white jade box in the shape of a waterfowl from the Qing dynasty, located at the Tokyo National Museum.

In China, male and female waterfowl represent a loving couple, while chicks and lotus flowers symbolize family prosperity. On top of that, the box itself represents love, since 'lotus' sounds like 'love.' While the hidden meaning might be difficult to decipher, don't worry—you can still enjoy this beautiful sculpture without knowing it!

Jadeite Carp 碧玉鯉

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This carp-shaped vase was carved from a single piece of dark green and white jade in the 19th century under the Qing dynasty. Carp are a symbol of promotion and success in China. The piece is currently housed at the Tokyo National Museum. 

Agate Goldfish 瑪瑙金魚

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This 19th-century Qing dynasty sculpture features 15 agate goldfish strung together. In China, the goldfish is a traditional symbol of wealth. With their wide, open mouths, every single fish looks incredibly cute!

Currently housed at the Tokyo National Museum, the piece was crafted using the qiaose technique, where the artisan carves the stone to maximize its natural red and white colors. The National Palace Museum in Taipei also houses a famous example of this style—the iconic Jadeite Cabbage.

They are opening their mouths! 口パクパク！

Jingdezhen Ewers Decorated in Overglaze Enamel and Gold 五彩金襴手水注と三彩金襴手水注

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These are Jingdezhen wares with overglaze enamel decoration, housed at the Tokyo National Museum. They were made in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty. The first is a wucai (five-color) painted porcelain, and the second is a sancai (three-color) piece.

White Jade Sculptures with Hidden Messages 白玉文鎮に隠されたメッセージ

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These are Chinese sculptures carved from white jade, housed at the Tokyo National Museum. They're all beautiful, but what interested me was not their beauty, but their hidden messages.

Wine Vessel Carved from Ivory 象牙彫卣

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The first photo shows the top of an ivory wine container housed at the Tokyo National Museum. Made during the 18th century during the Qing dynasty, the lion on top teaches us exactly how to smile when told to 'Say cheese.'

Indigo Blue Tomb Figure Rabbit 藍釉兎

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This 10cm-tall Tang sancai tomb figure is housed at the Tokyo National Museum. I first thought it was a mouse, but it was a rabbit. Either way, it's so chubby and cute, isn't it?

Famille Rose Vase with Openwork and Arabesque Design 粉彩透彫唐草文双耳瓶

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Housed at the Tokyo National Museum is a famille rose enamel porcelain. It is about 50 cm tall and double-walled, featuring an openwork frame on the outside and an underglaze blue vase on the inside.