The Japanese collections at our Oriental Museum have been awarded Designated Collection status by Arts Council England, recognising their national and international significance.
The status places the collections among a select group of museum, library and archive collections recognised as being of outstanding importance outside of England’s national museums.
There are currently just over 160 Designated Collections in England - and Durham University now holds five of these.
They are the Chinese, Egyptian and Japanese collections at the Oriental Museum, alongside Cosin's Library and the Sudan Archive, both held within Palace Green Library.
Reflecting past and present
The newly recognised Japanese collections have grown significantly in recent years and are now one of the Oriental Museum's fastest expanding collections.
Items span centuries of Japanese history and culture, from the Muromachi period through to contemporary works.
Highlights include swords and armour, intricately embroidered silk kimono, ceramics, woodblock prints and traditional folk toys.
The collections also reflect modern Japan through contemporary ceramics, manga, street fashion and digital art.
Expanding collections
Over the past decade, our Japanese collections have more than doubled in size through major donations and acquisitions.
Significant additions in recent years include the Hyatt King Collection of Japanese ceramics, donated by David and Anne Hyatt King, and a major gift of almost 600 woodblock prints and postcards from Durham University alumnus John P Scott.
The museum also holds a nationally significant collection of traditional Japanese folk toys collected by Jane Irissa.
Strengthening connections
The collections play a central role in our long-standing partnership with the National Museum of Japanese History in Japan, helping to strengthen international research, cultural exchange and diplomatic links.
They represent years of work by University staff to broaden the scope of the collections through building positive relationships with museums, universities and cultural organisations in Japan.
The award of Designated Status comes ahead of a major new exhibition at the Oriental Museum, ‘Breaking the Mould: Japanese Ceramics from the Hyatt King Collection’, which opens on 2 October 2026.
It will showcase highlights from the collection of more than 2,000 ceramics donated by the eminent collectors David and Anne Hyatt King.
Shuji Maeda, Minister at the Japanese Embassy in London, said: “Having visited Durham University twice over the past year since my arrival at the Embassy, I feel this recognition is very well deserved.
"This collection brings authentic Japanese culture to people across the UK, including younger generations.
"The fact that such a rich Japanese collection is accessible to those who live beyond London is particularly significant and symbolises that strong historical ties are felt across the country. I pay tribute to Rachel and her colleagues, as well as Professor Yoshi Miki, for their dedication.”
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