April 16, 2010
Exhibition of Contemporary Japanese Crafts
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The Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with Japanese Universities Alumni Association, Nepal (JUAAN) and Japanese Language Teachers' Association Nepal (JALTAN) will hold an exhibition of "Contemporary Japanese Crafts" in Kathmandu from April 17-29, 2010. The exhibition is supported by The Japan Foundation.
H.E. Mr. Tatsuo Mizuno, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal inaugurated the exhibition at 16:00 hrs. on Friday, April 16, 2010 at the Hall of the Embassy of Japan, Panipokhari. The exhibition will remain open for the public from April 17 (Sat.) to 29 (Thu.) from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. everyday.
The history of crafts in Japan is very ancient and is influenced from sources such as China and Korea. These influences have been gradually absorbed and further developed resulting in works that reflect the Japanese artistic temperament. In modern times, Japanese crafts have not simply retained the traditional forms and decorative embellishments that had been handed down from previous generations. Instead, artists who attempt to express their own artistic temperament through their work have appeared.
As the values of the Japanese people became more diverse following the World War II, crafts also developed in ever more complex ways and branched out in many directions. It is now considered impossible to state what the salient characteristics or common attributes of Japanese crafts are. However, Contemporary Japanese Crafts may appear to be completely disparate.
In Japan, Contemporary Crafts are divided into 6 categories viz. Ostentation (use of ostentatious colors, gold and sliver); Quiet Refinement (natural expression of the materials); Crispness (strong shapes and colors); Fine Detail (elaborate workmanship); Deformation (beauty of unevenness); and Flowers and Birds (ornamentation based on flowers and bird motifs).
Both the peoples of our two countries share values of contemporary art and traditional culture found in Japan and Nepal in different forms. Crafts is one among them. It is hoped that many Nepalese people who can visit the exhibition will enjoy Contemporary Japanese Crafts being displayed.
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