Idemitsu Museum of Art

Overview

The Idemitsu Museum of Art displays the art collection amassed over 70 years by Sozo Idemitsu, the founder of Idemitsu Kosan. Mr. Idemitsu, known to have been interested in art from a young age, began collecting pieces early in his life. The museum boasts a rich collection of Japanese art, especially calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics, comprising around 10,000 items, including two National Treasures and 57 Important Cultural Properties. One of the museum's highlights is the National Treasure, "The Tale of the Great Counselor's Visit." This late Heian period masterpiece is an illustrated handscroll depicting the historical event known as the Ōtenmon Incident. The scroll vividly portrays the lives and culture of the aristocracy of the time. Another National Treasure is "Teikan 'Minu yo no tomo'" (The Handscroll 'Friends of the Unseen World'). This is a collection of calligraphy works compiled together, known as a Kobitsu Teikan. It features various calligraphic styles from the Heian to Kamakura periods, offering insights into the development of calligraphy during those times. The Idemitsu Museum showcases these National Treasures, along with a wide variety of paintings and ceramics, in themed exhibitions. For example, a recent exhibition on the Rinpa school featured works by prominent artists like Tawaraya Sōtatsu and Ogata Kōrin. The museum itself is located on the 9th floor of the Imperial Theatre Building, overlooking the Imperial Palace moat. This location offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustle, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of art. The museum's windows provide stunning views of the Imperial Palace. The Idemitsu Museum of Art, with its renowned collection of Japanese art, attracts numerous visitors from Japan and abroad. We encourage you to visit and experience these invaluable artworks firsthand.