Exhibition Outlines

The period during the 1920’s to 30’s was a time of overcoming the disasters due to World War I that cast shadows leaving deep scars to various countries, and brilliant new art culture bloomed within the spirit of this revival.

In Japan, it was the end of the Taisho to early Showa periods, just after the economic prosperity due to increased export influenced by the world war. Tokyo was reborn after the disaster of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, into a modern city through its reconstruction plan. Change occurred in the daily lives of the people, especially the young people who were sensitive towards fashion. In the art world, new creativity began influenced by western expressionism and surrealism, and many ambitious works were created. Within this situation, Emperor Showa who was Crown Prince at the time, visited various countries in Europe in 1921, and witnessed the forefront art. The objects he brought home to Japan, along with the modern art and craft works that were domestic and foreign gifts celebrating auspicious Imperial occasions, were used as interior decorations within the palace.

In this exhibition, along with the European art and craft works of this era, presented as gifts to the Imperial Household, we will introduce Japanese works influenced by the new art styles such as Art Deco, etc. and works expressing the contemporary social manners and customs of this era called “Taisho-roman” and “Showa-modern”.