Chocolate Vine (Akebia Quinata) アケビ（木通）

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Native to East Asia, chocolate vines (Akebia quinata) can be found across Japan. They bear pale purple flowers from April to May, followed by chocolate-scented fruits from September to October. Female flowers outnumber the males and are slightly larger.

Netsuke - Dog Days 根付 - 猛暑

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This is a netsuke titled 'Dog Days,' crafted from ivory by Gaho Goto, a Japanese netsuke artist. The bulldog with sweat dripping down its face is so funny. It's housed at the Tokyo National Museum.

Kawaii Two-Legged Yokai Goblin Netsuke Sculpture 妖怪二本足

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This 5cm netsuke is titled 'Two-legged yokai (goblin)' and is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum. It was carved out of boxwood by Yoji Yamada. It's so cute! 

Interestingly, his name is pronounced the same as the famous Japanese film director Yoji Yamada, even though they use different kanji (Chinese characters). He used to carve these while working as a regular company employee. 

Netsuke 'Watermelon' スイカ

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This 3cm tall netsuke is titled 'Watermelon' and housed at the Tokyo National Museum. It was crafted with maki-e lacquer painting by Kinuyo Hariya, a Japanese netsuke and maki-e artist. 

Firethorn Tree (Pyracantha) ピラカンサ（常盤山査子）

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Native to an area extending from Southwest Europe east to Southeast Asia, the firethorn, or pyracantha, can be found across Japan. It produces white flowers from May to June and begins bearing berries in October, which turn red, orange, and yellow and last through February.

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！