A fascinating Japanese art takes center stage very soon as the Japan Foundation, Manila, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, present “Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke”, a traveling exhibition to open at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City from May 1 to 26, 2019 and at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 5 from July 1 to 21, 2019. Viewing is free.
As kimono culture flourished during the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), netsuke, small carvings, were created as toggles to secure the small personal items such as money pouches, inrō (medicine containers), or tobacco containers worn suspended on cords from the obi (a sash worn with kimono). What began as functional pieces to prevent those little containers from falling to the ground evolved into small but highly creative carvings. Today, classic netsuke have gained international acclaim as remarkably detailed carvings. In Japan, meanwhile, some netsuke enthusiasts and carvers have managed to keep the tradition alive.
“Netsuke is unique in that daily commodities have evolved into art form in the course of time. I believe viewers can enjoy and appreciate the delicate work of art created by Japanese craftsmanship.” shares Hiroaki Uesugi, director of The Japan Foundation, Manila.
Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke, our new traveling exhibition, is an innovative contemporary crafts exhibition presenting 65 works by contemporary Japanese netsuke carvers and artists.
A series of special events are also lined up to complement the Netsuke exhibition. To celebrate Philippine-Japan Friendship Month in July, we have also invited two renowned netsuke artists and experts from Japan, Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa and Ms. Asuka Kajiura to give a lecture and demonstration about this distinct and historical art form.
Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke Exhibition
May 1 – 26, 2019
1st Floor, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City
Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 10 AM to 9 PM; Fri-Sun 10
AM to 10 PM
July 1 – 21, 2019
3rd Level, Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Makati City
Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 AM to 9 PM; Fri-Sun 11
AM to 10 PM
Special Events:
Japanese Yukata Demonstration and Workshop
5 pm, May 1, Activity Center, Ayala Malls Capitol Central Bacolod
Free admission (for limited number of participants only)
Netsuke Talk and Demonstration
With Tadamine Nakagawa and Asuka Kajiura
Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Makati City
*More information to be announced
Please note that details are subject to change. For more information and updates visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph
netsukeinbacolod or #netsukeinmanila
About the Japan Foundation, Manila
The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 by special legislation in the Japanese Diet and became an Independent Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. As the 18th overseas office, the Japan Foundation, Manila was founded in 1996, active in three focused areas: Arts and Culture; Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange; Japanese-Language Education Overseas. For more information please visit our website at www.jfmo.org and Facebook.
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