Feature Exhibition
Vision of the Kyushu Museum in the Meiji Era:
The Inaugural Dazaifu Expositions and Chinzei Museum Plans
Welcome to the Origin Story of Kyuhaku
Held 3 times beginning in 1873, the Dazaifu Expositions featured numerous exhibits. They
displayed ancient artifacts (cultural properties) from shrines, temples, and private
collections; local products; and machinery, all of which proved very popular.
About 20 years after these Expositions, plans were made to construct a permanent
facility for such exhibitions in Dazaifu, called the Chinzei Museum. Although the
government granted permission to build this museum, it never came to fruition.
Through treasures exhibited at the Dazaifu Expositions and materials related to the
Chinzei Museum, our Feature Exhibition invites you to experience the Expos for yourself
and discover the vision people held for our museum.
Exhibition Period |
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21 October (Tue)–30 November (Sun) 2025 |
Venue |
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Room 11, Cultural Exchange Exhibition Hall (4F) |
Tickets |
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| Adults | 700 yen |
| University students | 350 yen |
| High school students, visitors under 18 or over 70 | Free |
* For further details on ticket prices, please refer to this page.
Leaflet |
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Exhibition Highlights
The First Dazaifu Exposition Catalog
(partial)
Meiji era, dated 1873
Dazaifu Tenmangu, Fukuoka
From 1873 to 1875, the Dazaifu Expositions featured treasures from Dazaifu Shrine (now Dazaifu Tenmangu) as well as items from private collections. Some of them were odd enough to make you wonder, “Why on earth is this here?”
Statues of Confucius and Two Disciples
Ming dynasty, China; or Edo period, 17th century
Dazaifu Tenmangu, Fukuoka
These statues of Confucius and 2 of his disciples were exhibited as the “Three Sages” at all 3 Dazaifu Expositions. They were also featured on the first pages of the catalog.
Chinzei Museum Historical Reference Materials
Meiji era, dated 1896
Fukuoka City Museum
In this catalog, meticulous descriptions introduce the objects intended for display at the Chinzei Museum. Each piece was collected by Etō Masazumi, a central figure in the planning of the museum's construction, whose erudition and passion shine through this collection.
Bottle Shaped Like a Bag
Kofun period, 6th century
Jingu History Museum, Mie
This uniquely shaped earthenware vessel is also mentioned in the Chinzei Museum Historical Reference Materials. The secret to its appeal lies in its leather-stitched appearance and floral decorations.