Amazing Craftmanship: From Meiji Kogei to Contemporary Art

Early in the Meiji era, when Japanese society was being rapidly rearranged and 'modernised' by the new authorities, traditional crafts and craftsmanship (kogei) was entering a golden age. Fields like metalcrafts and lacquerware had undergone stunning development during the long 'Edo peace', and a new generation of artisans was now taking this technological know-how and applying it in innovative ways to create more realistic pieces than ever before. This exhibition shines a light on masterpieces from the era and explores how they have inspired contemporary artists throughout the postwar period.