Travel Back 150 Years to the Advent of Meiji
The Meiji era (1868-1912) is widely known as the period that saw Japan opens its doors to modernity, and to a degree of Westernization. Those outside Japan tend to focus on the latter phenomenon as the East meets West juxtaposition really is beguiling. However, there is another side to the era, one that saw a golden age for Japanese traditional crafts as the artisanal kogei arts perfected over centuries found a global audience for the first time.
This period of art is the subject of this exciting exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, and you are invited to join us in store at the Fine Arts Section to enjoy the full story.
Craft Techniques that Astonished the World
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 marks its 150 year anniversary this year, and with it the beginning in earnest of Japanese arts being shared with the world. At the time the world was entranced, and even now as you gaze upon the line-up you are sure to feel that same sense of amazement. As you move from piece to piece, the sheer intricacy of techniques used in their rendering is truly striking and represents countless generations of accumulated craft.
The Art of Meiji Era Life
The exhibition chiefly explores kogei crafts that are seen to have peaked during the Meiji era, channeling cloisonné, metalwork, lacquerwork, Satsuma-ware porcelain, wood and ivory carving and more, into a range of subjects that capture the spirit of the age. Through quintessentially Japanese designs such as inro layered cases, writing cases, and incense burners, you can also catch a glimpse of Meiji era life beyond the exceptional objects themselves.
Join us at the gallery in store where we look forward to sharing this extraordinary period of Japanese kogei crafts with you.
*Photos from top:
Ryuki, Nogami Ornament with turtles on the rock
Inro chest with rooster and peacock design
Ornament with chestnuts
Incense burner with pheasant
*Unauthorized copying and replication of the contents of this site, text and images are strictly prohibited.
Superlative Techniques
Meiji Era Art Craft
Dates
August 8th - 13th, 2018
(Closes at 17:00 on the final day)
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 6F, Selected Fine Arts Gallery
Admittance to the exhibition is free of charge