“Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan” at British Museum

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the inception of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage or Living National Treasure, 111 leading artisans, mostly designated Living National Treasures, will exhibit their 112 works of contemporary Japanese art-crafts at British Museum between July 19 and October 21.  Art-crafts of the exhibition titled “Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan” includes ceramics, textiles, lacquer, metal, wood, bamboo, glass and dolls as well as workshops to demonstrate how the skills that gave birth to the modern works have evolved from the traditions of craftsmanship.
Among exhibiting artists are 14th generation Kakiemon, a master of the pedigree kiln who resides unbroken from Edo Period.  At the base of the hill swathed in bamboo groves and oak trees, there lies Bottega of Kakiemon and cottages thatched with common reed grass in his vast home site.  “With Arita ware, we should remind ourselves that we are artisans before artists.  Based on the tradition, I intend to bring out my own color,” says Kakiemon.   

Japanese art