Overview

Japan Society Gallery is among the premier institutions in the U.S. for the exhibition of Japanese art. Extending in scope from prehistory to the present, the Gallery’s exhibitions since 1971 have covered topics as diverse as classical Buddhist sculpture and calligraphy, contemporary photography and ceramics, samurai swords, export porcelain, and masterpieces of painting from the thirteenth to the twentieth century. Each exhibition, with its related catalog and public programs, is a unique cultural event that illuminates familiar and unfamiliar fields of art.

From 2008 the Gallery will expand its annual schedule, adding a shorter, small-scale exhibition each summer to the existing program of major three-month exhibitions each spring and fall.

Upcoming Exhibition:

Buriki:
Japanese Tin Toys from the Golden Age of the American Automobile

The Yoku Tanaka Collection

July 9 – August 16, 2009


General Motors Cadillac 62 Four-Door Sedan, 1950; with friction motor. 9 1/2 x 3 7/8 x 3 1/8 in. (24 x 10 x 8 cm). Suzuki Gangu, about 1953–54. Yoku Tanaka Collection. Photo: Tadaaki Nakagawa.

Drawn from a previously unknown private Tokyo collection, Buriki presents seventy miniature masterpieces that track the glory days of the Big Three automakers. These faithful models of Cadillacs, Buicks, Chryslers, Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Studebakers, and Fords chronicle a unique epoch in relations between Japan and the United States and will delight toy fanatics and car aficionados of all ages!

View an image gallery from the exhibition

View a full exhibition checklist (PDF)

The fully illustrated catalogue of this exhibition will be available for purchase at the exhibition.

Summer Gallery Hours
Tuesday through Friday 11 am - 6 pm
Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
Closed Mondays & major holidays

Admission
$5; Students & seniors $3;
Japan Society members and children under 16 free.

View Current Gallery events