The Japan Foundation – Manila, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines present the “Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke”, a travelling exhibition at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City from May 1 to 26, 2019.
What is a netsuke?
Netsuke (pronounced “nets-keh”) initially served both functional and aesthetic purposes which gained popularity during the Edo peiod (1603-1868). The traditional form of Japanese dress, the kimono, had no pockets so women would tuck small personal items into their sleeves, but men suspended their tobacco pouches, pipes, purses, and other items of daily use on a silk cord passed behind their obi (sash). The netsuke was attached to the other end of the cord the cord from slipping through the obi thereby securing these items.
Today, netsuke have gained international acclaim and regard as remarkably detailed carvings. What began as a functional pieces became a form of fine art, sought after by Western collectors.
Why Bacolod?
Hiroaki Uesugi, Director of the japan Foundation, Manila shares that they chose Bacolod for the exhibition because they believe there are a lot of people in Bacolod who appreciates art and it is a way for them to share Japanese culture with the Negrenses.
“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 Mr. Uesugi.
A total of 65 works by contemporary Japanese netsuke carvers and artists are on exhibit at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central. These works of art may be small in size but that’s what makes them so precious. Despite of their size, the intricate details are astounding. You may need to use a magnifying glass in order to appreciate the elaborate designs.
Guests during the opening of the exhibit were very lucky to see a demonstration of how to wear a Japanese yukata, a casual summer kimono. Guests also got a chance to wear the yukata.
Philippine-Japan Friendship Month
July is considered the Philippine-Japan Friendship month and after the exhibition in Bacolod, the Netsuke will be brought to Manila for the exhibition at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 5 from July 1 to 21, 2019. A series of special events are also lined up to complement the Netsuke exhibition. Renowned netsuke artists and experts from Japan Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa and Ms. Asuka Kajiura to give a lecture and demonstration about the netsuke at the exhibition in July.
For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph
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