Nomura Art Museum

Highlight

A splendid collection put together by a man well versed in the way of tea and at home on the Noh stage

The masterpieces of a refined man with tastes unparalleled in our times

This museum houses a collection of some 1,700 pieces collected by Tokushichi Nomura II, who followed his father Tokushichi Nomura I into the family business of finance, which is now known as Nomura Holdings. The collection is displayed in spring and autumn exhibitions with different themes.
Tokushichi assumed the name of “Tokuan” and became well versed in various cultural pursuits that were to define him as a man of refined taste in the modern sense of the term. In particular, he was an ardent follower of the tea ceremony and Noh drama, collecting many tea utensils, Noh masks and Noh costumes along with other works of art and penmanship - notably, work by Shukei Sesson, calligraphy by Sen no Rikyu, the waka poetry scroll written by Koetsu Honami and decorated by Sotatsu Tawaraya, with some of these acquisitions being designated as Important Cultural Properties and art treasures.
Close to Nanzenji Temple, the museum is in a beautiful spot noted for the cherry blossoms of spring and vibrant foliage of autumn. Tea and sweets are available in the museum.