ART | The Lady and the Unicorn exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo
ART│Win Tickets to The Lady and the Unicorn Exhibition!
The Lady and the Unicorn Exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo
The tapestries known as "The Lady and the Unicorn," considered treasures of France, are coming to Japan for the first time. They will be exhibited at "The Lady and the Unicorn Exhibition" held at The National Art Center, Tokyo from Wednesday, April 24 to Monday, July 15 (holiday). Following this, the exhibition will tour to The National Museum of Art, Osaka from July.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
A Powerful Six-Part Series, 22 Meters in Length
"The Lady and the Unicorn" is a series of six tapestry panels believed to have been created around 1500 AD. Five of these magnificent works, adorned with vibrant millefleur patterns, represent the five human senses: "Touch," "Taste," "Smell," "Hearing," and "Sight." However, the meaning of the remaining panel, "My Only Desire," remains shrouded in mystery.
This masterpiece has only been loaned outside of France once before, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States in 1974. Now, this highly anticipated work makes its debut in Japan. The exhibition will showcase all six panels of "The Lady and the Unicorn," a celebrated pinnacle of medieval European art, spanning a total of 22 meters. It will also delve into the depicted backgrounds and the techniques employed.
Furthermore, approximately 30 items from the collection of the Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages, where the tapestries are housed, will be displayed. These include sculptures, personal adornments, and stained glass related to the motifs of ladies, animals, and plants depicted in the tapestries. Visitors can embark on a journey through the splendid and elegant world of medieval European art through these diverse artworks and materials.
Left: "Maria, Wife of Clopas" circa 1430, Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages, Paris ©RMN-Grand Palais / Franck Raux / distributed by AMF-DNPartcom Right: "Ewer" circa 1450-1475, Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages, Paris ©RMN-Grand Palais / Jean-Luc Mabit / distributed by AMF-DNPartcom
"Ewer in the form of a unicorn" circa 1400, Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages, Paris ©RMN-Grand Palais / Gérard Blot / distributed by AMF-DNPartcom
Win Tickets to "The Lady and the Unicorn Exhibition" in Tokyo!
And for OPENERS readers, we have good news. We are giving away tickets to this exhibition to 5 pairs (10 people). If you wish to enter, please apply via the button below.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 7, noon
Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.
Winners will be notified via email. Winners must reply to the email with the required information, keeping the subject line as is. Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.
"The Lady and the Unicorn Exhibition" Tokyo Venue
Dates: Wednesday, April 24 – Monday, July 15 (holiday)
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Fridays until 20:00) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Gallery 2E
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)
Admission: General ¥1500, University Students ¥1200, High School Students ¥800
"The Lady and the Unicorn Exhibition" Osaka Venue
Dates: Saturday, July 27 – Sunday, October 20
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Fridays until 19:00) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Venue: The National Museum of Art, Osaka
4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
Tel. 06-6447-4680
Admission: General ¥1500, University Students ¥1200, High School Students ¥600