These archaeological treasures include fine obsidian points, clay pottery including some of the world’s oldest, intriguing dogu figurines, impressive bronze bells, earthenware animal and human figures from the “old tomb” period, and more. These collections, rich with significance, will introduce visitors to the tremendous creativity of the earliest cultures of this land and to specifically Japanese esthetics.

A journey through prehistory

The exhibition will take visitors on a voyage through four periods in Japanese prehistory: the Pre-Jomon (30,000 to 10,000 BCE), Jomon (10,000 to 300 BCE), Yayoi (300 BCE to 300 CE) and Kofun (4th to 7th centuries CE). The journey ranges from the earliest settlement of the archipelago to the birth of the first unified state.

Unique in North America

This exhibition will be a major cultural event for Montréal and Canada as a whole. The items on display are sure to thrill visitors with their refinement and technical perfection. You will be both moved and intrigued by these objects, so full of meaning. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see these magnificent pieces, witnesses to the ancestors of today’s Japanese.