The Collection

All businesses run by the museum are based on its collections (possessed works). The Sumida Hokusai Museum will collect high-quality works in good condition to enhance its collections as a sustainably growing museum meeting global expectations. Among our current collections, emphasis is placed on the valuable materials we took over from prominent researchers, including the late Mr. Peter Morse and the late Dr. Muneshige Narazaki.

Peter Morse Collection

The Late Mr. Peter Morse (1935-1993), who researched Western and Eastern print art, working mainly as a junior researcher at the Honolulu Museum of Art, was world-famous as a great collector of Katsushika Hokusai's works. He is a relative of Edward S. Morse, who discovered the Omori shell mound (a great-grandson of his brother). His collection, which includes many precious and rare works collected from a researcher's viewpoint, is considered the largest and greatest private Hokusai collection in the West. After his sudden death in 1993, the bereaved family, who were concerned that his collection might be scattered, showed an understanding of our planning for the Sumida Hokusai Museum. Therefore, Sumida City collectively acquired his Hokusai works and research materials, totaling almost 600 items.

Muneshige Narazaki Collection

The late Dr. Muneshige Narazaki (1904-2001), who released so many books and papers as an ukiyo-e researcher, is regarded as a leading expert in the field of ukiyo-e in Japan. His collection was established in the process of his research activities covering not only ukiyo-e prints but also Japanese and Chinese antiques, as well as modern paintings and prints as ukiyo-e-related materials. The collection also includes relevant materials such as diaries and picture scrolls. The collection, which allows you to chronologically trace the authentic value of Japanese art, is highly esteemed. This collection also works well in systematic research in Japanese art history. Dr. Narazaki, who had been giving useful advice on our collection of related materials with his agreement to the objectives of the Sumida Hokusai Museum, donated the whole of his collection in 1995.