Namban Collection

Arrival of a Portuguese ship. Nanban screen, ca. 1600. Artist: Anonymous
Arrival of a Portuguese ship. Nanban screen, ca. 1600. Found in the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Small Namban box and cover, late 16th - early 17th century (lacquer)
622459 Small Namban box and cover, late 16th - early 17th century (lacquer) by Japanese School; 21.5x6.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Decorated in gold hiramakie)

Momoyama Period Christian folding missal stand, late 16th - early 17th century (lacquer
622455 Momoyama Period Christian folding missal stand, late 16th - early 17th century (lacquer) (see also 622457) by Japanese School; height: 35.1 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Namban Christian portable shrine, designed to contain a religious statuette
996355 Namban Christian portable shrine, designed to contain a religious statuette, Momoyama period (lacquer) (see also 996356-7) by Japanese School

Momoyama Period Christian folding missal stand, late 16th - early 17th century (lacquer
622457 Momoyama Period Christian folding missal stand, late 16th - early 17th century (lacquer) (see also 622455) by Japanese School; height: 35.1 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Namban Christian portable shrine, designed to contain a religious statuette
996357 Namban Christian portable shrine, designed to contain a religious statuette, Momoyama period (lacquer) (see also 996355-6) by Japanese School

Namban Christian portable shrine, designed to contain a religious statuette
996356 Namban Christian portable shrine, designed to contain a religious statuette, Momoyama period (lacquer) (see also 996355-7) by Japanese School

Export pipe holder, late 17th century (lacquer)
622458 Export pipe holder, late 17th century (lacquer) by Japanese School, (17th century); length: 73.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Decorated in gold, silver)

Two rare large square tokkuri, Momoyama Period, late 16th century (lacquer)
622456 Two rare large square tokkuri, Momoyama Period, late 16th century (lacquer) by Japanese School, (16th century); height: 30 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Arrival of a Portuguese ship. Nanban screen. Detail: Japanese Christians, ca. 1600. Artist: Anonymous
Arrival of a Portuguese ship. Nanban screen. Detail: Japanese Christians, ca. 1600. Found in the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The Arrival of the Portuguese in Japan, detail of the right-hand section of a folding screen
XIR90399 The Arrival of the Portuguese in Japan, detail of the right-hand section of a folding screen, Kano School (lacquer) by Japanese School (16th century); Musee Guimet, Paris, France; Japanese

The Arrival of the Portuguese in Japan, detail of the left-hand section of a folding screen
XIR90397 The Arrival of the Portuguese in Japan, detail of the left-hand section of a folding screen, Kano School (lacquer) by Japanese School (16th century); Musee Guimet, Paris, France; Japanese

St. Francis Xavier (1506-51) and his entourage, detail of the right-hand section
XIR160168 St. Francis Xavier (1506-51) and his entourage, detail of the right-hand section of a folding screen depicting the arrival of the Portuguese in Japan

JAPAN: PORTUGUESE TRADERS. Portuguese traders in Japan. Detail from a Japanese Namban screen, 16th or 17th century

Arrival of the Portuguese to Japan in 16th c. Namban Period. Detail with a Portuguese boat. Japanese art. Painting. PORTUGAL. Porto. Soares dos Reis National Museum

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"Namban: The Fusion of Cultures in 16th-17th Century Japan" The arrival of a Portuguese ship marked the beginning of an extraordinary era in Japanese history. Nanban screens, crafted around 1600 by an anonymous artist, depict this pivotal moment when European influence entered the Land of the Rising Sun. These intricate screens showcase not only the grandeur of Portuguese vessels but also reveal glimpses into the lives of Japanese Christians. Intriguing artifacts from this period include a small Namban box and cover, adorned with exquisite lacquer work. Its delicate craftsmanship reflects the cultural exchange between East and West during this time. Similarly, a Momoyama Period Christian folding missal stand showcases stunning lacquer artistry while serving as a testament to Christianity's growing presence in Japan. Namban Christian portable shrines were designed specifically to house religious statuettes cherished by devout followers. These intricately designed shrines served as tangible symbols of faith amidst changing times. Another example is an export pipe holder from the late 17th century, displaying exquisite lacquer techniques that highlight Japan's mastery in adapting foreign influences. Two rare large square tokkuri bottles from the Momoyama Period further exemplify how artistic traditions merged during this transformative era. Their lacquered surfaces tell stories through vibrant colors and intricate patterns—a testament to both Japanese craftsmanship and openness towards new ideas. Within these historical artworks lies evidence of Japanese Christians depicted on Nanban screens—an acknowledgment that religion played a significant role during this period characterized by cultural exchange and exploration. "The Arrival of the Portuguese in Japan, " captured on folding screens, offers us insight into how these encounters shaped society at its core. As we delve deeper into these masterpieces created centuries ago by anonymous artists, we witness firsthand how Namban became more than just a label—it became a symbol for embracing diversity and celebrating shared humanity across continents.