Japanese “Netsuke” Exhibition opens at Manila and Bacolod

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 withkimono). 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 and regard as remarkably detailed carvings. In Japan, meanwhile, some netsukeenthusiasts 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.