Tanida Sukenaga (artist) and six poets, Six Poets (imitating the theme of ‘Six Immortal Poets’) (detail), 1808. Surimono, colour woodblock. British Museum, London © The Trustees of the British Museum
British Museum curators for Japanese Collections, Dr Akiko Yano and Dr Rosina Buckland, discuss Japanese culture in the 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on the salons and artworks featured in the museum’s current display City life and salon culture in Kyoto and Osaka: 1770–1900.
This ARTscapades talk explores the artistic phenomenon of these cultural salons of early modern Japan — creative spaces for people of all ages and social levels to pursue painting, poetry and other artistic endeavours, as serious but amateur practitioners. All individuals used a pen-name (or ‘art-name’) and thus were able to socialise and interact broadly through these artistic activities, regardless of official social status as regulated by the shogunal government. The idea of communal and collaborative creativity was especially seen around the two cities of Kyoto, the national capital, where the emperor and aristocrats resided, and Osaka, the centre of commerce.
City life and salon culture in Kyoto and Osaka: 1770–1900 is at the British Museum until March 2025. Talk ticket holders will receive a code for 10% off the accompanying publication Salon Culture in Japan: making art 1750-1900 edited by Dr Akiko Yano via the British Museum online shop website here.
This event will be recorded. Ticket holders are emailed a link to view the recording afterwards which is available for one month. Proceeds from ARTscapades ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live with Q&A, or on-demand for one month afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.