Exhibition Outlines

No.32 The Imperial Court Design -searching For harmony between the Japanese, Chinese and Western styles- (2003/9/27 - 2003/12/14)

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The Imperial Court Design

Within the modernization of Japan starting from the Meiji period, the various furnishings and ornaments decorating the interiors of the Imperial Palace begin to show a new style differing from the traditional. Motifs such as Flowers and Birds or Famous places were combined with realistic pictorial expressions, and were applied entirely decorating large vases and western style tapestry screens to fit the vast space within the western-style architecture. Also, within the trend of the Restoration of Imperial Rule, tableware featuring old style designs and pseudo-classical flower vessels were newly created.

On the other hand, along with the tendency of westernization under government policy, European clocks and works of English Victorian table art style were used as interior decorations. At the same time, Chinese styles of the Qing dynasty, which were fashionable from the end of the Edo period to the turning of the century, were also added to the interiors of the Imperial Palace.

As a result, a unique Imperial style with rich decor mixing Japanese, Chinese and Western styles, is formed which meets its peak at the end of 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. This is none other than a trial to create a new aesthetic space fit for the modern age.

This exhibition attempts to explore a section of the aesthetic sense of the Meiji period, by reconsidering the various art works that decorated the Imperial Palace. It focuses on pieces within our collection, in accordance with three themes.