The Intricacy Of Craft #japanexhibition

Posted on Feb 19, 2023 by TanGental

The history of Anglo-Japanese relations is not something with which I was familiar beyond battling them in WW2. Post war, the reconciliation was clear, but the relationship could never be defined as close.

All that rather overshadowed the contacts and unexpected years of friendships from the opening up of Japan in the mid nineteenth century to the 1930s.

Before the Shogun generals took Japan into isolation, our trading relations with Japan in the 17th century were important and growing.

All this history was beautifully reflected in the Japan exhibition where the many gifts received by the Royal Family were displayed.

Early on, there was a full suit of Samuri armour with its tortoise helmet and lacquered panels that were gifted to James 1st in 1613 at the point we signed a trading treaty with the Royal Household in Tokyo.

There was the most delicate porcelain, delightful weaving, classic screens, and block prints.

There were multiple items of weaponry and cabinet wear.

And the story of the growing friendships between Royals.

The thing about this relatively small exhibition is the level of skills on display. Everything is in miniature, balanced and redolent of the most amazing patience.

My one criticism is that the low level of lighting, which may be necessary to preserve some of the exhibits, makes ones appreciation of what’s on display somewhat compromised. Which is such a shame.

One thing I would avoid, if you go, is the shop. The exquisite tat on sale may make a lot of money, but seriously? When did we sink so low?

There’s no cafe, though – and I can’t speak for the ladies – the gents are a class apart. I can’t remember if I’ve ever been confronted by a urinal framed in sculptured mahogany. As someone once said to my father, when he found himself in a similarly opulent gents in the House of Lords following a dinner ‘the trouble with performing in such grand surroundings, is that it makes your little fella look distinctly shabby’.

I doubt the Japanese had that problem. Nothing about them is in the slightest bit shabby.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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23 Responses to The Intricacy Of Craft #japanexhibition

  1. willowdot21 says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 11:10 am

    Looks very interesting Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Peter's pondering says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    Comments about little fellas alongside multiple images of katana and other razor sharp blades has me wincing!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. ThingsHelenLoves says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    ‘the trouble with performing in such grand surroundings, is that it makes your little fella look distinctly shabby’.

    What a brilliant quote to ensure readers end this post with a smile!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. John W. Howell says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 6:09 pm

    Most little fellas look shabby anywhere.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. JT Twissel says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 7:58 pm

    I love Japanese art but no cafe? That’s horrible!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. noelle granger says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 8:01 pm

    Too bad about the low lighting. Probably the conservationists thought it was necessary. Some of pieces are really old!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. tootlepedal says:
    Feb 19, 2023 at 10:50 pm

    “My one criticism is that the low level of lighting, which may be necessary to preserve some of the exhibits, makes ones appreciation of what’s on display somewhat compromised. Which is such a shame.”

    I couldn’t agree more. We went to an exhibition in the British Library which could not have been more gloomy.

    Like

  8. Jennie says:
    Feb 20, 2023 at 2:31 am

    What a treat to see this art, albeit in low lighting. Thank you for the history and the grand surroundings (sorry little fella.)

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Teagan Riordain Geneviene says:
    Feb 20, 2023 at 6:28 pm

    Thanks for the tour, Geoff. I don’t know why I am attracted to Japanese things, but I am. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. KL Caley says:
    Feb 23, 2023 at 8:52 am

    No cafe? I must confess, I do love a bit of gift shop tat and often come away with books or bookmarks or some such. What a beautiful tour you gave us, Geoff. Japan is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. KL ❤

    Like

  11. Rowena says:
    Feb 25, 2023 at 6:39 am

    Wow, Geoff. I usually marvel at my sewing efforts attaching Amelia’s ribbons and elastics to her pointe shoes but golly these Japanese textiles so far above my humble sphere and I wouldn’t mind even having a cheap knockoff from the gift shop on the wall at home if I could shove something else out of the way.
    Thanks so much for sharing and extending me beyond the home front.
    Hope you’re keeping well. I’ve had a few blips of late but hopefully getting things sorted.
    Best wishes,
    Ro

    Liked by 1 person

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