Manchester Art Gallery

This show featured over 1,500 years of the rich craft heritage of Japan, China and Korea: ceramics, metalwork, furniture, lacquer, textiles and sculpture, with exhibits ranging from magnificent court treasures, to masterpieces by contemporary makers.

With loans from leading public collections and contemporary makers and collectors, the show provided a unique opportunity to explore how contemporary designer-makers keep the distinctive style of the East fresh and surprising whilst remaining true to traditional values of superb craftsmanship and profound philosophy.

There were opportunities to see historic works from Manchester’s collection which have not been exhibited for over 30 years, including an exquisite early nineteenth century Japanese lacquer norimono (travelling carriage), sumptuous Chinese Imperial robes and hand-chiselled Japanese tsuba (sword guards), which were conserved especially for this show. Contemporary work includes Fumio Enomoto’s Weave Stool, commissioned specially from the award-winning designer, plus elegant ceramics by Yasuko Sakurai, Gwang Yeol Yu, Jin Ka Lee, Jung Hong Park, Jungwon Park and Jin Eui Kim.

This exhibition was generously supported by the Japan Foundation, the Korea Foundation and sponsored by Kuoni and Shangri-La.