#Japan #Hakone #Japanese art #Okada Museum #Kinging Komira

Special Exhibition: Kinging Komira - Glimmering Japanese Art

From June 14 to December 6, 2026, the Okada Museum in Hakone, Japan, will present a special exhibition entitled "Kinging Komira: Glimmering Japanese Art." This event will feature around 40 remarkable pieces that span a timeline from the Heian period through to the present day, showcasing exquisite works of calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and lacquerware that utilize shiny materials like gold, silver, and micaceous pigments.

The enchanting allure of gold and silver has captivated people across cultures for centuries, symbolizing holiness, nobility, and power. Many of these materials were adorned in luxurious decorations and artistic works. During the Heian era, the integration of gold, silver, and powdered mica known as komira was particularly common, reflecting the refined aesthetic sensibility of the Japanese. This exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to enjoy various pieces including beautifully crafted stationery, elegant komira-printed books, and folding screens embellished with gold and silver.

Highlight 1: The Revival of Gold, Silver, and Mica in the Heian Period

One of the pinnacles of beauty using gold, silver, and mica was reached during the Heian period. Influential emperors and noble families, who deeply engaged in Buddhist practices, participated in extensive transcription projects of religious texts, incorporating gold and silver into their writings. Additionally, high-quality paper adorned with gold, silver, and mica was crafted for elegantly inscribing waka poetry.

The exhibition will showcase exceptional calligraphic works and texts from this period alongside new interpretations from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period, such as illustrated poetry sheets and modern calligraphic works.

Focus: The Beauty of Komira


Komira is created by finely grinding white mica, which produces a soft, luminous sheen depending on the light's angle. It has been utilized in various artistic expressions, from textiles to paper, enhancing the beauty of calligraphy and paintings.

Highlight 2: Diverse Expressions of Gold and Silver in Ceramics and Paintings

Historically, Japan has seen a harmonious relationship between gold and silver, with artists crafting intricate art pieces that meld these precious metals. Gold often embodies associations with sunlight, while silver is linked to moonlight and water, imparting distinct meanings to art. While employing gold and silver in paintings is relatively straightforward, incorporating them into ceramics complicates the process, necessitating additional firing and creating challenges—especially for silver glaze, which tends to tarnish easily.

Highlight 3: The Radiance of Lacquerware - Japan, Ryukyu, and Korea

In addition to gold and silver, the exhibition will highlight lacquerware that showcases the shine of crushed seashells. Lacquer, derived from the sap of the lacquer tree, represents a unique Asian artistic technique and is valued for its durability and versatility on wood, fabric, and paper. This artistry has produced a diverse array of stunning lacquerware, combining glossy lacquer with metals and shells. Attendees can look forward to marveling at the ornate lacquerware enhanced by techniques such as raden and maki-e.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: Kinging Komira - Glimmering Japanese Art
• - Dates: June 14 (Sun) - December 6 (Sun), 2026
• - Closed: None
• - Organizer: Okada Museum
• - Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
• - Admission Fees: Adults and University students ¥2,800 / Elementary, junior, and senior high school students ¥1,800
• - Special Events During Exhibition:

- Related lecture: Beauty of Komira / The Use of Gold by Ike Taiga
October 10, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, Speaker: Yuko Kobayashi (Okada Museum Curator)
- Slide talk: The Beauty of Gold and Silver and Chinese Ceramics - From Tang Dynasty Gold and Silverware to Porcelain
September 19, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Speaker: Arisa Sato (Okada Museum Curator)
- Curatorial Gallery Talks on the Special Exhibition Kinging Komira
Every Friday from July 3 to November 27, 11:00 AM

Online Museum Goods Now Available!

Following numerous requests from customers, we have launched an online store for museum goods. Popular items, including hand towels, soba-choko, and merchandise inspired by our notable artwork "Wind and Time," are now available for purchase. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity!

For instance, we are offering a pair set of soba-choko inspired by ancient Imari works, featuring designs of butterflies, autumn leaves, and cherry blossoms, crafted in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture.

Additionally, you can find a cleaner featuring the iconic "Wind and Thunder Gods" mural of the museum.

These products can be purchased at our official web shop, UNI-MARKET.