Japan: Courts and Culture

The Royal Collection contains one of the finest holdings of Japanese works of art in the western world. Now, for the first time, highlights from the collection will be brought together in the major new exhibition Japan: Courts and Culture, opening at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace in April 2022.

The exhibition explores the diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchanges between Britain and Japan over more than 350 years, from first encounters and early trade under James I to the diplomatic engagement and modern partnership of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. This royal story, never before told in a dedicated exhibition, will be explored through rare surviving examples of unparalleled Japanese craftsmanship, including armour, weaponry, porcelain, lacquer, woodcut prints, delicate fans and embroidered screens.

Rachel Peat, curator of Japan: Courts and Culture, said, ‘We are delighted to give visitors a rare chance to see these stunning works from Japan, which have been marvelled at, displayed and cherished by members of the British royal family for centuries. We hope visitors will enjoy discovering the worlds of ritual, honour and artistry that link the courts and cultures of Britain and Japan to this day.’ ■