From 1st July until 31st August, the Penang State Museum will be exhibiting breathtaking handicrafts made with traditional craftsmanship from Tohoku. The region was beset by an earthquake and a tsunami in 2011, and the 70 objects on display are testaments to the region’s recovery.
The objects open for public viewing—encompassing pottery, lacquerware, textiles, basket weaving, metalwork, and woodwork—epitomise the highly-developed techniques of local artisans and the functional elegance of daily implements used since medieval times. Viewers can observe the folk wisdom of each of the six prefectures that make up the land through their native specialties, which include kogin embroidery from Aomori, magewappa and kabazaiku woodcraft from Akita, as well as woven back pads known as bandori from Yamagata.
The exhibition also has artwork from notable artists Keisuke Serizawa and Shoji Hamada, designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasures) by the Japanese government. Included in the exhibition are woodblock prints by Shiko Munakata, screens and textiles by Serizawa, and ceramics by Hamada and Kanjiro Kawai.
This is a rare opportunity for Penangites to familiarise themselves with some of Japan’s best and most unique traditional artwork and implements.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit www.jfkl.org.my or contact the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur at 03 2284 6228.