March 14–August 9, 2009
Gallery 109 Overview:
In Japan, metal craftsmen who had previously made a living fashioning elaborate armor and sword fittings or casting bronze Buddhist sculptures found a new and more viable outlet for their talents, creating pieces for world’s fairs and domestic exhibitions. Items including realistic bronze sculptures of animals and utilitarian items such as incense burners and cloisonné vases were among the most astounding technical achievements on view at such venues. In addition to metalwork, porcelain items became more intricate in terms of shape, design, and breadth of color. Objects exhibited here represented the first encounter with the art of Japan for many of the earliest donors to the Art Institute.
Tetsuano. Insect-cage Incense Burner, late 19th/early 20th century. Japan. Purchased with funds provided by the Weston Foundation. With the restoration of the emperor in 1868, Japan announced a clean
break from the feudal system that had characterized the military
government under the shoguns. In politics as well as culture, Japan
began looking outward in order to become a major player on the world
stage; at the same time, however, the country remained mindful of
retaining its native values and aesthetics. Japan used arts and crafts
to demonstrate that it was a progressive, industrial power, fashioning
intricate metalwork and elaborately decorated porcelains. Indeed, this
era marked the beginning of Japonisme in the United States, the vogue
for Japanese art and design. |
