This exhibition addresses various aspects of the modernization of Japan and the internationalization of artistic production through different artistic techniques. It includes| among other things| examples of silverware| cloisonné| photographs| textiles| paintings| bronzes and ceramics to illustrate the changes in society as a whole and in art in particular| highlighting great artists such as Kawanabe Kyosai and Shibata Zeshin.
At the opening of the exhibition on the 16th of October| Professor Khalili said that this is the latest manifestation of a growing appreciation of the Japanese aesthetic in the West. Ever since the Collection’s first milestone 1994 exhibition Japanese Imperial Craftsmen: Meiji art from the Khalili Collection at the British Museum| the idea of Japonisme – the late 19th century European fascination for Japanese art and culture – has seen something of a revival. Having amassed| conserved| researched| published and exhibited the largest Meiji art collection outside of Japan| we at the Khalili Collections are proud and honoured to have played an important role in this revival.
