Date: Fri 21-May-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: SARAH

Quick Words:

lead-Meiji-Riverfront

Full Text:

Splendors Of Meiji: Treasures Of Imperial Japan

(with cuts)

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.