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Accessibility of information on the history of our objects is at the forefront of the collection's mission. Here you will find articles and research related to our objects and collecting areas.
Sea Horses and Jewel Beetles by Katsushika Hokusai
A look at our object of focus: a surimono print designed by Katsushika Hokusai for the 1822 Year of the Horse. Featured in the 2026 Exhibition Lustre: Sebastián Espejo & Pierre Bonnard at the Interval Gallery Clerkenwell.
Bookbinding Workshop at the National Art Library and Archives
Events like Discovery Day show how museums and libraries can bring history alive, not just through objects, but by empowering young creatives to engage with heritage hands-on.
Early Japanese Photography: A Copy of Truth
As Japan began its intense modernisation, photography became a defining tool for demonstrating the country’s transition from the traditional framework of the shōgunate to the modern ideas of the West.
An Heirloom from a Fallen Dynasty
A look at our object of focus: a jade ruyi-form hairpin from the Chinese Imperial Qing dynasty.
Introduction to Ukiyo-e
Edo city’s flourishing social landscape saw the emergence of the ‘chōnin’ (people of the blocks), a commoner class of townsmen and women that included both merchants and artisans.
Εισαγωγή στο Ουκίο-ε
Η ανθούσα κοινωνική σκηνή της πόλης Έντο, είδε την εμφάνιση των «τσονίν» (‘chōnin’, άνθρωποι των συνοικιών), μιας τάξης που περιλάμβανε τόσο εμπόρους όσο και τεχνίτες.
A Novelty Propaganda Under Kimono (Omoshirogara Nagajuban)
A look at our object of focus: a Japanese Shōwa-period novelty under-kimono created in anticipation of the 1940 Olympic Games.