The Sumitomo family's collection of ancient Chinese Bronzes.
The Sumitomo family's collection of ancient Chinese Bronzes.

Highlights

A gorgeously but precisely patterned bronze ware seemingly touched by the gods – ancient mastery of the arts that must be seen to be believed

The Sumitomo Collection of Ancient Chinese Bronzes ranks among the world's finest.

This museum was established primarily around the ancient Chinese bronzes collected by the Sumitomo family. Few museums offer a systematic view of bronze ritual vessels created before the Common Era and mirrors that flourished from the Han dynasty onward. The Sumitomo Collection is highly regarded internationally. Today, the museum holds approximately 3,500 pieces, including Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, paintings, and crafts. The Bronze Gallery introduces the appeal of bronzes from various angles across four exhibition rooms. Thematic Exhibition Room features paintings, calligraphy, tea ceremony utensils, and Chinese literati stationery, with seasonal themes. The museum name “Sen-oku Hakuko” combines “Izumiya,” the Edo-period business name of the Sumitomo family, with “Hakuko,” derived from the Song Dynasty Chinese bronze catalog “Hakuko Zuroku.”

Facility Information

Facility name SEN-OKU HAKUKOKAN MUSEUM “Sumitomo Collection”
Address 24 Shimomiyanomae-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku
URL https://www.sen-oku.or.jp/kyoto
Contact 075-771-6411

Please check each facility's website for opening hours, fees, and other details.