Highlights from the Japan collections
Take a journey with the curators of the Japanese collection through some of its highlight pieces
Japan
The V&A has been collecting Japanese art and design since it was founded in 1852 and now holds one of the world's most comprehensive collections, including ceramics, lacquer, arms and armour, woodwork, metalwork, textiles and dress, prints, paintings, sculpture and modern & contemporary studio crafts.
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With the exception of some early metalwork, ceramics and Buddhist sculpture, most objects date from the Edo (1615-1868) and Meiji (1868-1912) periods. Of particular interest is our collection of over 30,000 Edo-period ukiyo-e prints, paintings, drawings and albums. We also hold one of the finest and most complete collections of Japanese enamels in the world, as well as the earliest documented examples of this art form in any museum.
Collection highlights
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The Mazarin Chest, about 1640, Japan -
Inro, netsuke and ojime, about 1850 – 1900, Japan -
Suit of armour in Haramaki style, about 1850, Japan -
Netsuke, by Rakueisai, about 1850 – 1900, Japan -
(Back) Kimono, 1860 – 1880, Japan -
The Great Wave, woodblock print, by Katsushika Hokusai, about 1831, Japan -
Invitation dress, designed by Kumiko Uehara and Baby the Stars Shine Bright (BSSB), 21st century, Japan -
Covered Vessel no. 7, sculpture, by Kenji Gomi, 2012, Toki, Japan -
AUN II, basket, by Tanabe Shochiku, 2014, Sakai, Japan -
JVC Videosphere, television, manufactured by JVC Ltd, 1970, Japan -
Ryo-O, mask, 1450 – 1550, Japan -
OO-IX, sculpture, by Shigeki Hayashi, 2013, Toki, Japan
Features
The lunar zodiac
Discover the lunar zodiac animals in art and design from our East Asian collections
'Anima' – food waste tableware by Kosuke Araki
Beautiful vessels crafted from food waste and traditional Japanese lacquer
Samurai: Japanese arms & armour
The samurai were the military class of Japan who developed from local provincial warriors into the ruling elite that maintained power in the name of the emperor from 1185-1868
Dealing and dealers: the East Asia collection
Kimono
Discover the rich symbolism in traditional Japanese dress
Lolita fashion: Japanese street style
Sweet, punk or gothic?
The conservation of the figure of a samurai in full armour
Find out how this imposing yet delicate model of a samurai was restored to its full splendour by an expert team of V&A conservators and curators
Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)
Known as 'ukiyo-e', these hugely popular woodblock prints depict everyday life in Japan during the Edo period
Make your own: Japanese 'Boro' bag
Follow our step-by-step guide to create your own Japanese style 'boro' bag
Conservation of a Japanese palanquin
Follow V&A Conservators as they treat an elaborately decorated Japanese palanquin in our collection
Japan's encounter with Europe, 1573 – 1853
The first Europeans to arrive in Japan did so by accident rather than design
Kimono for a courtesan?
Explore the theatrical motif on this highly decorative outer kimono
Styling the kimono: Akira Times
Meet Akira Times, a contemporary kimono image maker in a panda hat
Kimono inspired by the 'street': Jotaro Saito
Discover how kimono designer, Jotaro Saito, blends 'street' inspired patterns with traditional techniques
How was it made? Japanese hikihaku obi
See the traditional technique of weaving with metallic thread
Yohji Yamamoto: Poet of Black
Hear from enigmatic fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto as he talks about his career and design values
How was it made? Tsuba
See how a Japanese sword guard is made
In search of forgotten colours – Sachio Yoshioka and the art of natural dyeing
Step inside the dye workshop
Deconstructing samurai armour: ASMR
Removing the helmet and untying intricate knots – watch as the 18th century piece is dismantled
