The chance to see one of Japan’s finest samurai swords, fashioned more than 700 years ago, is rare. So too is the opportunity to view an ancient edition of the Man’yō Shū, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, or to see exquisite Buddhist arhat scrolls. Items designated ‘National Treasures’ and ‘Important Cultural Property’ such as these, seldom seen outside Japan, will be on display in Splendours of Japan - Treasures from the Tokyo National Museum, opening at Te Papa on 4 March.
Spanning Japanese history from ancient times through to the end of the Edo period in the mid-nineteenth century, Splendours of Japan showcases a spectacular selection of some 130 items offering a taste of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and artistic achievement. From realms as diverse as agriculture, science, and theatre, as well as art, the exhibition includes pottery 5000 years old, burial ornaments, samurai armour and swords, and exquisite calligraphy and woodblock prints.
Together the works give a fascinating sampling of Japan’s history – the unique products of its stone-age culture, its periods of imperial and military rule, the influences of religion and the pursuit of refinement, and the country’s interactions with the outside world and its isolation from it.
‘Splendours of Japan is the first fruit of a significant cultural exchange project between Te Papa and the Tokyo National Museum that has been nearly five years in the planning. This collaboration with this most important art institution in Japan provides a rare opportunity for museum visitors in this country to experience the rich expanse and elegance of Japan’s cultural heritage,’ said Dr Seddon Bennington, Te Papa’s Chief Executive.
Nozaki Hiroshi, Executive Director of Tokyo National Museum explains that while our countries are located on opposite sides of the equator, due to their marine environments there are similarities in the cultures. For example, ancient Japanese fishing tools, examples of which are included in this exhibition, resemble those used by the Māori people.
‘Next year, an exhibition that introduces the art and culture of Māori will be held at the Tokyo National Museum. It is our hope that understanding each other’s art and culture will enhance the friendship between the people of New Zealand and Japan,’ said Mr Hiroshi.
Encompassing the everyday and the extraordinary, the treasures in this exhibition illuminate a world that is unfamiliar to many New Zealanders. Visitors will relish the insight it offers into the beauty, elegance, intricacy, and delicacy that characterise Japanese life, art, and custom.
An exciting events programme is planned for the exhibition, commencing with martial art performances and taiko (drumming) displays throughout the opening weekend.
Related Events
Wednesday 15 February 2006
Banzai! Celebrate the opening of Splendours of Japan with an explosive weekend of movement and music. See powerful taiko drumming and traditional Japanese martial arts. Experience these art forms depicting ‘the way of the sword, ‘the way of the bow’, and ‘the way of the empty hand’.
11-11.10am, Taiko (Te Papa Plaza); 12-12.10pm, Taiko (Wellington Foyer); 12.10-12.20pm, Karate (Wellington Foyer); 1-1.10pm, Taiko (Te Papa Plaza); 1-1.20pm, Judo (The Marae); 1.20-1.40pm, Aikido (The Marae); 1.45-2.05pm, Karate (The Marae); 2-2.10pm, Taiko (Te Papa Plaza); 2.05-2.25pm, Iaido (The Marae); 2.25-2.45pm, Kendo (The Marae); 2.45-3.15pm, Kyudo (The Marae); 3.30-3.40pm, Taiko (Wellington Foyer).
Thursday 9 March, 6pm‑7pm: Modern European art and the Japanese woodcut.
Find out how Dutch and French artists engaged with the Japanese woodcut print ‑ from Jonathan Mane-Wheoki, Te Papa's Director Art and Collection Services. Presented in association with the exhibition Splendours of Japan, and with examples from Te Papa¹s collections. ICON, Level 2. Free entry.
Sunday 12 March, 11am‑6pm:
Exquisitely Japan ‑ Ikebana, Bonsai, Japanese Embroidery, and Netsuke.
Experience these beautiful forms of traditional Japanese art. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.
Splendours of Japan - Treasures from the Tokyo National Museum
4 March - 30 April 2006
The TOWER Gallery, Level 4, Te Papa
Admission charges apply
Contact
For images and further information:
Bridget MacDonald, Manager Communications, 029 601 0180, 04 381 7083, bridgetm@tepapa.govt.nz
Paul Brewer, Director Marketing & Communications, 021 532 920, 04 381 7023