Water—an essential element of life on Earth—has long played a vital role in shaping human civilization. In Japan, a country made up of islands, water is more than a natural resource. It is a constant presence that surrounds, connects, and sustains life, while shaping Japan’s culture, beliefs, and artistic creations.

This exhibition traces the diverse ways water has been represented, revered, and reimagined in Japanese art over the past 500 years. Through nearly 50 objects, it highlights water’s presence in daily life, its appearance in legends and deities, and its layered symbolic meanings. The exhibition also explores water’s dual nature—as both boundary and bridge—and how it facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Please note that some objects in this exhibition will rotate due to their sensitivity to light.

Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Generous support provided by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.