Iron charger, 1880s, with gold, silver, copper and shibuichi. Although made from iron rather than bronze, this outsize dish, with its soft-metal design of a male and female pheasant on a branch of magnolia, can be confidently associated with the group of metal artists who regularly received commissions from the Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company).

 

Splendors of Meiji

Treasures of Imperial Japan

WILMINGTON, DEL. - "Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan" debuted April 10 at the First USA Riverfront Arts Center in Wilmington. From one of the world's finest collections of Meiji Era (1868-1912) Japanese art, the exhibition illustrates the emergence of a nation from centuries of isolation as it first began to define its national character to the Western world.

The masterpieces on view are from the Khalili collection. Internationally renowned as a scholar, connoisseur and collector of art, Dr Nasser D. Khalili has, over the past 30 years, assembled under the auspices of The Khalili Family Trust remarkable collections of Islamic, Japanese, Indian, Swedish and Spanish art, as well as Near and Middle East antiquities.

Nearly 450 masterpieces from Khalili's extensive collection are included. Particularly rich in works of art in metal, lacquer, ceramic, enamel and porcelain, "Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan" features a wide variety of media ranging in size from a few inches to over 14 feet high.

Of particular significance is the fact that no fewer than 12 of the artists featured in the exhibition were members of an elite group appointed by the Meiji Emperor as "Artists to the Imperial Household," while many others were actual pupils and associates of these masters.

"Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan" is presented in a series of seven galleries that are architecturally enhanced to crate a sense of Japan and its culture.

Playing a significant role, while adding a unique dimension to the exhibition, is the recreation of elements contained within the three largest expositions held in the United States during Japan's Meiji Era.

Seen by Japanese officials as prime opportunities for promoting their country's achievements and points of pride, Japanese displays were prominent in the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876, the World's Colombian Exposition at Chicago in 1893 and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St Louis in 1904. In Philadelphia alone, ten million visitors flocked to view the Japanese displays that reportedly attracted more favorable comment than those of any other country.

"We are particularly excited about this opportunity to re-create the sense of wonder and delight that Americans experienced at the turn of the century, as they were introduced to the beauty and delicacy of Japanese art.

The Japanese exhibition marks the second grand-scale art exhibition within the inaugural schedule of the newly-created First USA Riverfront Arts Center in Wilmington. Under the direction of Broughton International, the arts center has been designed to house grand-scale traveling exhibitions. The 125,000 square-foot arts center houses 25,000 square feet of main exhibition gallery space, an expansive lobby area, a 275-seat exhibition theater, and a gift shop, as well as storage areas and curatorial and executive offices.

Guests are encouraged to allow a minimum of two hours to tour "Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan." At the start of the exhibition tour, all visitors are provided a personal audio guide which allows them to proceed through the galleries at their own pace. The audio guide features the voice of actor Cliff Robertson.

Before entering the galleries, visitors are treated to a brief overview about Japan and the Meiji era in the Exhibition Theater, which provides a historical backdrop for what they are about to experience. At the conclusion of the eight-minute orientation in the theater, visitors begin to proceed through the galleries.

"Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan" continues through September 6 at the Riverfront Arts Center, at 800 South Madison Street; telephone 302/777-7767.