Founding and History
The museum was established in 1961 following the death of businessman Ichiro Hayashibara (1908–1961). Its collection was based primarily on the antique art and sword collection he had assembled throughout his life. In 1964, the museum opened to the public under the name Okayama Art Museum. In 1986, following the establishment of the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, it was renamed the Hayashibara Museum of Art, the name it retains today.
Collections and Distinctive Features
In addition to the Hayashibara Collection, the museum preserves numerous objects passed down through the Ikeda family, the former lords of Okayama Domain. The collection is particularly rich in traditional Noh and Kyogen theater costumes, offering a glimpse into the elaborate clothing and artistic traditions of Japan’s classical performing arts.
Among its best-known treasures are the National Treasure Tachi Sword Signed Yoshifusa and the Ikeda version of the Scenes In and Around Kyoto folding-screen paintings. The museum also houses the Illustrated Handscrolls of the Tale of the Heike, inherited from the Echizen Matsudaira family. This is considered the only surviving complete set of its kind in Japan, making it an especially important cultural treasure.
Cultural Properties in the Collection
National Treasures
The museum holds several objects designated as National Treasures, including the Tachi Sword Signed Yoshifusa, the Tachi Sword Made by Nagamitsu of Osafune in Bizen Province, and the Unsigned Tanto Dagger Attributed to Masamune, Known as Kuki Masamune.
These exceptional blades demonstrate the refined craftsmanship and aesthetic traditions of Japanese sword-making, preserving the artistry of master swordsmiths across the centuries.
Important Cultural Properties
The museum also houses numerous Important Cultural Properties. Notable examples include:
Armor with Dark Blue Thread Lacing, Helmet, and Large Shoulder Guards: Traditionally said to have been bestowed on Nambu Masanaga by Emperor Go-Murakami.
A Riverside Scene in a Chinese City: A silk painting attributed to Zhao Zhe from the Ming dynasty.
Scenes In and Around Kyoto: A painting on gold-leafed paper depicting urban life and landscapes.
Noh Costumes: Outstanding examples include embroidered garments decorated with reeds and water birds, as well as designs featuring chrysanthemums and tachibana citrus blossoms.
Other notable holdings include 19 types of lacquered wedding furnishings decorated with lions and peonies on a woven-bamboo-ground pattern, along with a hand-colored nautical chart of Asia on parchment. These objects offer valuable insights into the artistic traditions, social customs, and international connections of earlier periods.
The Museum’s Historic Connection to Okayama Castle
The museum stands on a historically significant site where the reception hall of the Ninomaru residence of Okayama Castle once stood. The original building was demolished after the Meiji Restoration. A building later used as an office by the former ruling Ikeda family was relocated to the site, but it was destroyed during the Okayama air raid in 1945.
Remarkably, the longhouse-style gate and storehouses survived the bombing. These historic structures were preserved during the construction of the museum and remain part of its grounds, connecting the museum’s collections with the history of Okayama Castle and its former domain.
Ichiro Hayashibara and the Museum’s Origins
Ichiro Hayashibara was a businessman from Okayama who developed a deep interest in the appreciation and study of Japanese swords while still a student. After the war, he established one of Japan’s largest starch-syrup factories while continuing to collect celebrated swords and other antique works of art.
His collection, together with the ceremonial furnishings and other heirlooms of the former Ikeda family, became the foundation of the museum. After his death, his family and friends worked together to establish the foundation that would preserve and share his collection with the public.
Architecture and Museum Grounds
The museum building was designed by the Maekawa Kunio Architects and Engineers Office. Its modern architectural style was carefully conceived to harmonize with the historic surroundings of Okayama Castle.
The site covers approximately 6,382 square meters, with a total floor area of 1,919 square meters and 450 square meters of exhibition space. Three traditional storehouses stand within the grounds, and these are also used as exhibition spaces. Their historic character provides a distinctive setting for viewing the museum’s art and cultural treasures.
Exploring the Collection
A Wide Range of Japanese Art and Historical Objects
The museum’s collection consists primarily of paintings, decorative arts, and other works collected by Ichiro Hayashibara, together with the daimyo furnishings and heirlooms of the former Ikeda family. In total, it holds approximately 9,000 objects, including swords, armor, paintings, calligraphy, Noh masks, Noh costumes, ceramics, metalwork, and lacquerware.
Rather than displaying the entire collection at once, the museum presents selected objects through changing exhibitions. This approach allows visitors to encounter different aspects of Japanese art and history over multiple visits.
Special and Temporary Exhibitions
The museum regularly organizes special and temporary exhibitions featuring items from its extensive collection. Because the exhibits change over time, each visit can offer a different perspective on the history, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions of Okayama and Japan.
Management and Future Outlook
Financial Challenges and Continued Operation
In 2011, Hayashibara, the company that supported the museum, experienced a business collapse and subsequently became a subsidiary of Nagase & Co. The future management of the museum was considered during this period, but no alternative organization was found to take it over. Ultimately, Hayashibara continued supporting the museum under the Nagase & Co. group.
In 2015, plans to improve the organization’s financial stability included reviewing the collection, raising the possibility that some objects might be sold. Despite these challenges, the museum has continued its operations and its work to preserve and exhibit valuable cultural properties.
Discover the Hayashibara Museum of Art
The Hayashibara Museum of Art offers visitors an opportunity to explore Japan’s artistic heritage through masterfully crafted swords, historic armor, paintings, theater costumes, and decorative arts. Its close connection to the former ruling Ikeda family and its location on the historic grounds of Okayama Castle make it an especially rewarding stop for anyone interested in samurai culture, Japanese art, and the history of Okayama.