Today’s festive #AshmoleanAdvent treat is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s beautiful ‘View of snow on Benten Hill’ at Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa.
December 20, 2024 at 10:21 AM
Today’s festive #AshmoleanAdvent treat is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s beautiful ‘View of snow on Benten Hill’ at Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa.
Our annual #AshmoleanAdvent Calendar begins today! Check back each day until Christmas for a new seasonal surprise from our collections.
The first festive treat from the collection is this delightful Japanese woodblock print by master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The first festive treat from the collection is this delightful Japanese woodblock print by master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
December 1, 2024 at 9:52 AM
Our annual #AshmoleanAdvent Calendar begins today! Check back each day until Christmas for a new seasonal surprise from our collections.
The first festive treat from the collection is this delightful Japanese woodblock print by master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The first festive treat from the collection is this delightful Japanese woodblock print by master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
Today's #AshmoleanAdvent treat is a little bear cub playing in the snow, brought to life by Erin Christopher 🧸
The painting is by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō (1728–1813). Open today's Advent door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
The painting is by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō (1728–1813). Open today's Advent door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
December 8, 2024 at 10:28 AM
Today's #AshmoleanAdvent treat is a little bear cub playing in the snow, brought to life by Erin Christopher 🧸
The painting is by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō (1728–1813). Open today's Advent door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
The painting is by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō (1728–1813). Open today's Advent door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 8: Black Bear Cub
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 8: Black Bear Cub
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 2: Snowman Netsuke
This delightful winter scene, animated by Louie Hobbs, is based on a netsuke in our collection. It recalls the beloved childhood pastime of making a snowman.
This delightful winter scene, animated by Louie Hobbs, is based on a netsuke in our collection. It recalls the beloved childhood pastime of making a snowman.
December 2, 2024 at 11:02 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 2: Snowman Netsuke
This delightful winter scene, animated by Louie Hobbs, is based on a netsuke in our collection. It recalls the beloved childhood pastime of making a snowman.
This delightful winter scene, animated by Louie Hobbs, is based on a netsuke in our collection. It recalls the beloved childhood pastime of making a snowman.
This beautiful woodblock print by Nakayama Sūgakudō is today’s #AshmoleanAdvent treat from ‘Forty-eight Hawks Drawn from Life’, a series of illustrations depicting varieties of birds in natural habitats.
December 18, 2024 at 9:40 AM
This beautiful woodblock print by Nakayama Sūgakudō is today’s #AshmoleanAdvent treat from ‘Forty-eight Hawks Drawn from Life’, a series of illustrations depicting varieties of birds in natural habitats.
Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating!
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar, we're sharing this illustration showing a family celebrating Christmas by German graphic artist Daniel Niklaus Chodowiecki.
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar, we're sharing this illustration showing a family celebrating Christmas by German graphic artist Daniel Niklaus Chodowiecki.
December 25, 2024 at 8:05 AM
Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating!
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar, we're sharing this illustration showing a family celebrating Christmas by German graphic artist Daniel Niklaus Chodowiecki.
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar, we're sharing this illustration showing a family celebrating Christmas by German graphic artist Daniel Niklaus Chodowiecki.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 19: Chestnut Netsuke
This small Japanese wooden netsuke takes the form of a chestnut. Netsuke were used to attach a medicine box, pipe, or tobacco pouch to the obi (sash) of a kimono.
This small Japanese wooden netsuke takes the form of a chestnut. Netsuke were used to attach a medicine box, pipe, or tobacco pouch to the obi (sash) of a kimono.
December 19, 2024 at 10:44 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 19: Chestnut Netsuke
This small Japanese wooden netsuke takes the form of a chestnut. Netsuke were used to attach a medicine box, pipe, or tobacco pouch to the obi (sash) of a kimono.
This small Japanese wooden netsuke takes the form of a chestnut. Netsuke were used to attach a medicine box, pipe, or tobacco pouch to the obi (sash) of a kimono.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 10: Evening Snow at Kiyomizudera
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
December 10, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 10: Evening Snow at Kiyomizudera
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 12: Raphael’s Angel
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
December 12, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 12: Raphael’s Angel
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 24: Winter Coat
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
December 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 24: Winter Coat
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Today's #AshmoleanAdvent object is this little bronze stag 🦌 It's a rare example of a sculpture made to decorate important buildings in the city of Kish.
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🦌 Animal Figurine of a Stag, 625–539 BCE. Bronze. AN1924.317
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🦌 Animal Figurine of a Stag, 625–539 BCE. Bronze. AN1924.317
December 6, 2024 at 9:12 AM
Today's #AshmoleanAdvent object is this little bronze stag 🦌 It's a rare example of a sculpture made to decorate important buildings in the city of Kish.
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🦌 Animal Figurine of a Stag, 625–539 BCE. Bronze. AN1924.317
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🦌 Animal Figurine of a Stag, 625–539 BCE. Bronze. AN1924.317
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 21: Snowy Bridge
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
December 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 21: Snowy Bridge
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Most likely used for sorbet or custard, today's #AshmoleanAdvent object is this Worcester Porcelain cup made about 1780. It features twelve compartments of alternating holly berry wreaths and red trellis designs.
December 22, 2024 at 8:50 AM
Most likely used for sorbet or custard, today's #AshmoleanAdvent object is this Worcester Porcelain cup made about 1780. It features twelve compartments of alternating holly berry wreaths and red trellis designs.
For day 24 of #AshmoleanAdvent we're sharing a watch made between 1530 and 1550. It is made of delicately engraved gilt-brass.
Open today’s door to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
⏰ Spherical cased clock-watch, c. 1530–1550, Germany. Gilt-brass, 4.6cm. WA1947.191.1
Open today’s door to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
⏰ Spherical cased clock-watch, c. 1530–1550, Germany. Gilt-brass, 4.6cm. WA1947.191.1
December 24, 2024 at 8:23 AM
For day 24 of #AshmoleanAdvent we're sharing a watch made between 1530 and 1550. It is made of delicately engraved gilt-brass.
Open today’s door to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
⏰ Spherical cased clock-watch, c. 1530–1550, Germany. Gilt-brass, 4.6cm. WA1947.191.1
Open today’s door to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
⏰ Spherical cased clock-watch, c. 1530–1550, Germany. Gilt-brass, 4.6cm. WA1947.191.1
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 4: Roman Star Coin
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
December 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 4: Roman Star Coin
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
This little netsuke originates from Tokyo and features a young boy masquerading as Jurōjin, the Japanese God of longevity, riding his sacred deer. It's our #AshmoleanAdvent object for day 21.
Open today’s door on our website to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
Open today’s door on our website to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
December 21, 2024 at 8:07 AM
This little netsuke originates from Tokyo and features a young boy masquerading as Jurōjin, the Japanese God of longevity, riding his sacred deer. It's our #AshmoleanAdvent object for day 21.
Open today’s door on our website to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
Open today’s door on our website to read more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 17: Embroidered cushion cover
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 17: Embroidered cushion cover
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 20 brings Singing Pierides painted by Henry Stacy Marks on The Great Bookcase by William Burges.
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
December 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 20 brings Singing Pierides painted by Henry Stacy Marks on The Great Bookcase by William Burges.
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 1: Snow at Kinryūzan Temple
Our Ashmolean Advent Calendar is here! Check back each day until Christmas for a new seasonal treat from our collections.
The first festive treat from the collection is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s View of Snow on Benten Hill at Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa.
Our Ashmolean Advent Calendar is here! Check back each day until Christmas for a new seasonal treat from our collections.
The first festive treat from the collection is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s View of Snow on Benten Hill at Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa.
December 1, 2025 at 10:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 1: Snow at Kinryūzan Temple
Our Ashmolean Advent Calendar is here! Check back each day until Christmas for a new seasonal treat from our collections.
The first festive treat from the collection is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s View of Snow on Benten Hill at Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa.
Our Ashmolean Advent Calendar is here! Check back each day until Christmas for a new seasonal treat from our collections.
The first festive treat from the collection is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s View of Snow on Benten Hill at Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa.
Today’s #AshmoleanAdvent object is this painting by Henry Stacy Marks of a concert of the Pierides, a scene from Greek mythology.
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🎵 Singing Pierides, painted by Henry Stacy Marks (1829-1898), c. 1859 - 1862. WA1933.26
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🎵 Singing Pierides, painted by Henry Stacy Marks (1829-1898), c. 1859 - 1862. WA1933.26
December 15, 2024 at 10:58 AM
Today’s #AshmoleanAdvent object is this painting by Henry Stacy Marks of a concert of the Pierides, a scene from Greek mythology.
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🎵 Singing Pierides, painted by Henry Stacy Marks (1829-1898), c. 1859 - 1862. WA1933.26
Open today’s door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
🎵 Singing Pierides, painted by Henry Stacy Marks (1829-1898), c. 1859 - 1862. WA1933.26
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 2: A Bronze Stag 🦌
This Roman bronze brooch in the shape of a stag would have been used to fasten a shawl or cloak.
This brooch was once decorated with bright multi-coloured enamel which was very popular in Britain and France during the Roman period.
🦌 AN1927.418
This Roman bronze brooch in the shape of a stag would have been used to fasten a shawl or cloak.
This brooch was once decorated with bright multi-coloured enamel which was very popular in Britain and France during the Roman period.
🦌 AN1927.418
December 2, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 2: A Bronze Stag 🦌
This Roman bronze brooch in the shape of a stag would have been used to fasten a shawl or cloak.
This brooch was once decorated with bright multi-coloured enamel which was very popular in Britain and France during the Roman period.
🦌 AN1927.418
This Roman bronze brooch in the shape of a stag would have been used to fasten a shawl or cloak.
This brooch was once decorated with bright multi-coloured enamel which was very popular in Britain and France during the Roman period.
🦌 AN1927.418
Three wise men for day 4 of #AshmoleanAdvent!
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
Open today's door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
Open today's door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
December 4, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Three wise men for day 4 of #AshmoleanAdvent!
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
Open today's door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
Open today's door to learn more: www.ashmolean.org/advent
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 13: Chestnut Netsuke
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
December 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 13: Chestnut Netsuke
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 7: Decorated Elizabethan Trenchers
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 7: Decorated Elizabethan Trenchers
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.