The Japanese say autumn is the 'cultural season' with many events and exhibitions
throughout the land. So what better way to get in the mood than popping down to the British Museum for this exhibition of exquisite modern craftwork. Covering ceramics, textiles, lacquer, metal, wood and bamboo, dolls, cut metal foil and glass, the BM have 100 pieces by members of the Japan Art Crafts Association (Nihon Kōgeikai), many of them designated ‘Living National Treasures’ in Japan, a title conferred by the Japanese government on exemplary individuals who carry on Japanese traditions.
As Grayson Perry says: “Uniquely in the developed world Japan has preserved the most authentic and least self-conscious continuing craft tradition...these beautiful works are masterpieces of the kind of art that is used and appreciated in many Japanese homes every day.”
It’s the attention to detail which really caught my eye, for example in the boxes sprinkled with gold or decorated with tiny mosaics made of mother of pearl or the delicate patterns of cross-woven bamboo in a lacquered bowl.
It costs a fiver and is on until 21st October. Who needs the Terracotta Army?
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