Composite image of the moon and objects in this post. One Giant Leap On July 20, 1969 three humans boarded an aluminum and stainless-steel rocket, rose into the heavens and collectively became the first group to set foot on another celestial body. Taking his first apprehensive steps on the alien scape of the moon, Neil Armstrong famously said “that...

Detail of 94.64.10. Gift of Mr. William Drell. Love to Spring this On You As all living in southern California are acutely aware, this winter’s deluge has brought with it the happy occasion of a Californian super bloom. The hillsides and shallow valleys of California’s inland deserts—so often entirely devoid of flora—have sprung to life, ...

Short Sword ( Wakizashi ), 15th to 19th Century Tsuguhiro (Japanese, active 1469-1521), Jiryūsai Tomohide (Japanese, 1778-1847) and Seiyōken Akitada (Japanese, active 19th Century); Fukui Prefecture, Chūbu Region, Japan and Nagasaki, Kyushu Region or Tokyo, Kantō Region, Japan Steel, manta ray skin, lacquer, silk and iron; 2 3/4 x 2 3/8 x 27 1/4 in...

Scene from Tale of Genji Chapter 23, “Hatsune (First Warbler)”, 1890 Yōshū Chikanobu (Japanese, 1838-1912); Tokyo, Japan Woodblock print on paper; 21 1/2 x 33 in. 94.64.8 Gift of Mr. William Drell Tale of the Equinox Spring is in the air! The spring equinox, which occurred Tuesday, March 20 th , provides the possibility for rebirth, renewal, and re...

Scrimshaw Snuff Box, c. 1870 United States Sperm whale ivory, silver and ink 2011.25.18 Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Burton W. Fink Snuff Bottle, date unknown Kenya Wood, metal and horn 2013.7.9 Gift of Doris L. Buck Snuff Bottle, late 20 th Century Japan Antler 97.11.2 Gift of Dr. Murray and Brett Via Around the World At the height of its popularity, snuf...

Two Prints from The Fifteen Views of Kyoto,  1950-1960 Tomikichiro Tokuriki (Japanese, 1902–1999) Woodblock print on paper; 15 x 13 in. 81.8.1J, K Gift of Mr. Kerwin Jacobs Beauty Reading a Letter, late 18 th Century Utamaro (Japanese 1753-1806) Woodblock print on paper; 19 x 13 in. 36124.1 Evylena Nunn Miller Memorial Collection Ukiyo-e , the...

 Two Meiji-era Japanese exposition objects (2017.6.1a-h and 36756) on view  in the Dr. Wan-Lin & Assumpta Kiang Family Foundation Rotunda. Globalization in the 19 th  and early 20 th  Centuries in many cases led to the butting of heads on a national scale, but the conflict served as a fantastic motivator for both art a...

Wedding Furisode Kimono (Furisode), c. 1900 Japanese Silk and thread F78.62.1 Bowers Museum Purchase A woman’s first furisode (a long-sleeved kimono, literally “swinging sleeve”) is given to her at the age of 20 when she is recognized as an adult, allowed to vote, responsible for committing crimes and is officially allowed to smoke and drink. A fur...