The Superlative Artistry of Japan ‒ 1. The Techniques of Japan That Shocked the World

What is “superlative artistry”? This is a laudatory description of the superb pieces that demonstrated the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship from among the various exquisite crafts (pottery, cloisonné, metalworking, woodworking, lacquerware, and so on) produced during the late 19th century. This artistry shocked the west, where japonisme had already become something of trend, and it met with even greater acclaim than in Japan. These videos introduce some of the most famed of the great masterpieces of Japanese craftsmanship, deserving of the description of “superlative artistry,” from the detailed depictions of Jakuchu (a forerunner of the superlative artistry) to the works of contemporary artists who have inherited the same DNA. The Japan Foundation preceded this video series with the exhibition “The Superlative Artistry of Japan,” which has been touring the world since 2018. We are planning to make this a long-term tour, with the target being to have the exhibition visit 50 cities around the wor