Exhibition

Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global

Ongoing

Click below to embark on a 360° tour of Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global. Just click on the rings to move throughout the space and use your mouse or keyboard to zoom in/out and to look all around.


Discover the beauty and complex stories behind PEM’s celebrated Japanese export art collection. The new installation takes visitors on a journey through time — from the arrival of Portuguese merchants in the 1500s through Japan’s emergence on the world stage in the late 19th century and beyond. Throughout, the story is punctuated with stunning works of art, including extraordinary loans from a private collection and many objects on view for the first time since PEM’s 2016 exhibition Asia in Amsterdam. Located in the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Gallery.

Share your impressions with us on social media using #Japanomania

Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global is made possible by the generous support of an anonymous donor, the late Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland and The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund.

Incense holder, about 1690, Porcelain and lacquered silver
Artists in Arita, Incense holder, about 1690, Porcelain and lacquered silver. Gift of the estate of Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, 2001. AE85878.A
Hello Kitty rotary telephone
Sanrio Company, Ltd. Hello Kitty rotary telephone, 1980s.. Plastic, metal, and electrical components . Museum purchase. 2018.4.1
Charger with VOC emblem, late 17th century
Artists in Arita. Charger with VOC emblem, late 17th century Porcelain. Museum purchase, 1992. E83830
Cabinet, 1635–45. Lacquered wood, mother-of-pearl, and silver mounts.
Artists in Japan. Cabinet, 1635–45. Lacquered wood, mother-of-pearl, and silver mounts. Museum purchase, 1997. AE85343
Pair of covered vases, about 1680. Porcelain
Artists in Arita. Pair of covered vases, about 1680. Porcelain. Museum purchase, 2000. AE85765.1AB-2AB
Lidded chalice, late 16th to early 17th century. Iron, gold, and silver
Lidded chalice, late 16th to early 17th century. Iron, gold, and silver. Museum purchase, 1988. E76525.1AB
Edict tablet, 1682. Ink and gesso on wood.
Edict tablet, 1682. Ink and gesso on wood. Museum purchase, 1920. E17721
Spiny lobster, late 19th century. Ivory
Artists in Japan. Spiny lobster, late 19th century. Ivory . Given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Chapple and. Mrs. Joseph Fellows, Jr., 1956. E33506
Pair of tigers, 1670–1700. Porcelain.
Artists in Arita. Pair of tigers, 1670–1700. Porcelain. Gift of the estate of Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, 2001. AE85876.1-2
The Island of Decima in Japan, about 1801. Lacquered wood, gold, and mother of pearl.
Artists in Nagasaki. The Island of Decima in Japan, about 1801. Lacquered wood, gold, and mother of pearl. Gift of. Samuel G. Derby, 1802. E6576
Plan your visit


PEM is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 10 am–5 pm.

Learn what steps are being taken to ensure the health and safety of our community at pem.org/safety.

Visitors may purchase advanced general admission tickets at pem.org/tickets or by calling 978-542-1511.

Admission: Adults $20; seniors $18; students $12; youth, members, and Salem residents free.

Location: East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970.

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