The Splendour of Modernity – Japanese Arts of the Meiji Era

The Splendour of Modernity presents a comprehensive overview of Japanese art from 1865 to 1915, encompassing painting, calligraphy, sculpture, prints, ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, basketry, metalwork and cloisonné. Rosina Buckland challenges the common misconception that in this era foreign influence diluted the supposed ‘authenticity’ of Japanese art. Instead, she highlights the development of distinctively Japanese artistic practices that incorporated new stimuli from overseas. She also dispels assumptions of artistic decline in the early Meiji era by examining the period from 1865 to 1885. Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this captivating exploration showcases the resilience, innovation and enduring beauty of Japanese art during a transformative period – one marked by Japan’s global engagement and artistic evolution.