Approximately 40 Meiji Period Craft Works Exhibited Together

The exhibition "Superb Techniques: Meiji Period Crafts Exhibition," which focuses on craft works created after the Meiji Restoration and was well-received last year, is returning. During that era, Japanese "crafts" underwent dramatic transformations. With the end of the feudal system and the modernization of society, most craftspeople found themselves unemployed. They adapted their production to seek new demands, leading to the creation of works for international export and world expos, driven by the goal of earning foreign currency.

It is said that while the technical level reached its peak during the previous regime, Japan's advanced production techniques evolved further, resulting in numerous pieces with intricate and astonishing craftsmanship, now referred to as "superb techniques." However, this style declined in just about 30 years and was long buried in history. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to re-evaluate its beauty and skill.

This exhibition will showcase approximately 40 Meiji period craft works, each possessing artistic merit and dignity backed by high technical skill. It offers a rare opportunity to closely admire Meiji-era crafts, which exhibit bold expressions while retaining the subtle beauty unique to Japan, and to purchase pieces that capture your interest.

Additionally, on August 20th, a gallery talk will be held with Mr. Murata Riyon, director of the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum and a leading authority on Meiji period crafts. We encourage you to take this opportunity to experience the artistic culture nurtured by Meiji artisans.

【Main Exhibits】



"Superb Techniques: Meiji Period Crafts Exhibition"
Exhibition Period | August 17 (Wed) - August 22 (Mon), 2016
Hours | 10:30 - 19:30 *Last day until 17:00
Venue | Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 6th Floor, Special Art Gallery
1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo