[1] The museum is home to the private collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art assembled by Nezu Kaichirō (1860–1940).

During World War II, the museum's collection was safeguarded away from central Tokyo, avoiding the destruction suffered by the estate property during the bombing in May 1945.

Closed due to large-scale renovation and renewal starting in 2006, the museum reopened in the fall of 2009 with a brand new building designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

This byōbu is displayed for a limited time each year during a special exhibition from April to May to coincide with the blooming season of the irises planted in the museum's Japanese garden.

Kaichirō Nezu acquired this byōbu in 1914, and even before the museum was founded, he held exhibitions and tea ceremonies to display it for the enjoyment of his many guests.