Hosomi Museum Current Exhibition

- Current Exhibition -


Zohiko Urushi Art from the Mitsui Memorial Museum Collection

December 3, 2011 to January 29, 2012

Zohiko Urushi Art from the Mitsui Memorial Museum Collection

The Mitsui family have been patrons of Kyoto culture since the Edo period, having kept their residence in the city while operating large shops in Edo (present day Tokyo). Since the Meiji Restoration, fearing the decline of Japanese decorative arts due to the influx of Western culture, the Mitsui family has supported Japanese traditional craftsmen such as the Kyo-yaki family, Eiraku. One of the recipients of the Mitsui patronage is Zohiku, the makers of luxurious and gorgeous maki-e lacquerware (Japanese: urushi).

Established in 1661, Zohiko made a great number of masterpieces through the patronage of the Mitsui family, former industrial conglomerate members, as well as the Imperial family from the Meiji to Showa periods.

Through the cooperation of the Mitsui Memorial Museum, some 40 works of maki-e lacquerware belonging to Mitsui family will be exhibited in the Kansai region for the first time. We hope you take this chance to enjoy these brilliant and glittering works of maki-e, one of the representative works of Japanese decorative art.



  • Exhibition Period

    December 3, 2011 to January 29, 2012

  • Opening Hours

    10am to 6pm

    (Latest entrance 5:30pm)

  • Closed

    Every Monday (However, open on May 2st)

    December 26, 2011 to January 2, 2012

  • Place

    The Hosomi Museum

    6-3 Saishoji-cho,Okazaki,Sakyo-ku,Kyoto

    Tel: 075-752-5555

  • Entrance Fee

    General: 1000 yen (800 yen)

    Students: 800 yen (600 yen)

    Prices in brackets are for groups of 20 or more

  • Presented by

    The Hosomi Museum
    The Kyoto Shimbun

  • special Cooperation

    Mitsui Memorial Museum

  • Cooperation

    Kyoto Lacquer Designs Zohiko co. ltd

- English Event -

By reservation only

Hosomi Museum - English Gallery Tour

　With over four special exhibitions a year, the artwork is always changing at the Hosomi Museum. Take a gallery tour with a native English speaker and gain cultural context to the art on display.

　This service is not offered at any other museum in Kyoto. Contact us to enrich your visit and see the artwork come to life.

　Tours usually last 40 minutes and are geared to adults. Available only for exhibitions featuring Japanese art.

　Guide:
Eric Luong is a long-time Kyoto resident and full-time instructor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design, teaching English and comparative culture. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he finished his Master's degree in Japanese Art History at Hanazono University, Kyoto.

  • Tea and Lecture (20 minutes) Option

    　-Museum Cafe
    : plus 1000 yen per person

    　-Kokoan Japanese tearoom
    : plus 1,500 yen per person
    (with sweets)

    　-Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) plan
    :plus 2,500 yen per person

  • Gallery Tour Fees

    1 to 10 persons: 20,000 yen per group
    11-20 persons: 30,000 yen per group

    (Price includes museum admission)

  • Schedule

    Available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays (or by special reservation)

  • Duration

    40 minutes

  • How to Apply

    Please fill in the following information and copy and paste in
    an email to: info@emuseum.or.jp

    Applications must be sent at least 7 days before event date.A confirmation email will be sent to you thereafter.

    　Applicant information:
    1. Event Date: (mm/dd/yy)
    2. Name of applicant: (Mr./Ms.)
    3. Email address:
    4. Cell phone number in Japan (if available):
    5. Number of persons in group:
    6. Name of group (optional):

    　Accommodation in Kyoto:
    7. Hotel name: (if staying at a private residence, please write "residence")
    8. Address:
    9. Telephone:
    10. Fax (if available):
    11. Elevator assistance for special needs: yes/no

    　Cancellation policy:
    - cancellations within 3 days of the event date are subject to a 5,000 yen per group cancellation charge /1,000 yen per person for the tea room
    - group members / numbers may be changed at any time.

    　Note:
    - Museum entrance hours are 10am-5:30pm (closed at 6pm)
    - There is no parking space at the Hosomi Museum. Those coming by cars must use local pay parking. Public transportation information is available here: http://www.emuseum.or.jp/eng/access_eng/index.html
    - Please do not bring food or drinks into the museum.