**** 4/5
This exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a slightly strange mix of things as beautiful as each thing is on its own, it also isn’t displayed in any particular order. It’s a mix of gifts from Japan to British monarchs and souvenirs collected on visits to Japan. It certainly isn’t as comprehensive as the V&A’s collection, there wasn’t a single kimono on display! Having said that, the objects are beautiful.
The oldest Japanese artefact in the Royal Collection is a suit of samurai armour sent to James I in 1613 while the newest object on display is a stoneware vase by the potter Hamada Shoji, given to the Queen on her state visit to Japan in 1975.
(c) Laura Freeman, The Telegraph
The glittering spears inlaid with mother-of-pearl similar to the one below seem a bit out of place amongst the quiet beauty of the other objects.
(c) katanacenter
Just a few years after this auspicious start, however, the relationship between the UK and Japan was brought to a halt when, in the 1630s, Japan closed its borders to the West for over 200 years as part of an isolationist foreign policy. However, this did not stop the spread of Japanese goods throughout Europe; if anything, they became even more popular and sought after. Particularly fashionable were products made out of porcelain and lacquer such as the cabinet below acquired by George IV.
The relationship between Japan and Britain changed again in the 19th century, when Japan reopened to the West. Among the first gifts exchanged by the two nations was a pair of folding screens sent to Queen Victoria which have recently been rediscovered
(c) Royal Collection Trust
Over the years that followed, many royal and diplomatic visits occurred between the British and the Japanese royal and imperial families.
By the early 20th century, relations between Japan and Britain were at an all-time high. The Royal Collection is full of spectacular imperial gifts from this period, sent to mark important events such as jubilees, weddings, and coronations. Among the objects on display in the exhibition are a miniature lacquer and mother-of-pearl cabinet given to Queen Mary on her coronation.
(c) the-past.com
This may not be a comprehensive exhibition but it is a lovely one with many gems. It’s on until the end of February if you want to catch it.
By Ahana Ogle
About the Writer: Ahana Ogle is a Nutrition and Food Management with Foundation Year student that enjoys the vibrancy of London living, trying different cuisines, and visiting museums and art galleries.