Royals’ gifts from Japan over last 350 years go on show
AN EXHIBITION with a focus on Japan is to open at Buckingham Palace.
The display of Royal gifts from Japan will include the first samurai armour ever seen in Britain, coronation and jubilee gifts presented to monarchs from Queen Victoria to the
Queen and a never-before-seen woodcut print of Buckingham Palace.
They are among the highlights of the new exhibition Japan: Courts and Culture, which opens today at The Queen’s Gallery in the palace. The Royal Collection holds some of the finest examples of Japanese art and design in the western world.
For the first time, more than 150 works have been brought together to tell the story of 350 years of diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchange between Britain and Japan, from first encounters under James I to the modern partnership of the Queen’s reign. The exhibition will display together for the first time all four suits of samurai armour in the Royal Collection.
These include armour sent to James I in 1613 by Japan’s military leader – the first known samurai armour to arrive on British soil and the first diplomatic gift between Japan and Britain.
Other rare examples of arms and armour include the only field marshal’s sword known outside Japan and a dagger with fittings designed by the Emperor Meiji, the first ruler of the Empire of Japan. 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.
“It’s a real opportunity to see first-hand the precious materials and intricate techniques which have so profoundly shaped British taste and which helped forge a lasting relationship between the two nations.”
The display runs until March next year.