Collecting, Collections and Collectors: Talk with Asian Art in London

Join us for an evening talk exploring cultures of collecting, collections and collectors in the world of Japanese art and design as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Asian Art in London.

The event includes three short presentations by esteemed Japan-specialist collectors and curators followed by an audience Q&A chaired by Japan House London’s Programming Director Simon Wright.

Asian Art in London director Simon Pilling discusses the development of collecting Japanese artwork in Europe and the Americas – the process and the motivation – focusing on Japanese lacquerware, one of Japan’s best-known and most long-standing crafts.

Yamada Masami, Curator for Japan in the Asian Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum explores the principles behind the V&A's extensive collections of Japanese art and design shining a spotlight on several recently acquired contemporary pieces.

Finally, Rosemary Bandini looks at notable collectors of netsuke throughout history. Small toggles used to suspend items from an obi sash, worn as part of a Japanese men’s ensemble from the 17th century onwards, netsuke and related accessories have evolved from their utilitarian origins into objects of high art, highly sought after by collectors all over the world.

The talk accompanies the display The Art of Collecting: Japan, held in partnership with Asian Art in London.

The event in the Hall at Japan House is followed by a drinks reception. Guests can also enjoy an exclusive late-night visit to The Art of Collecting: Japan display and the Gallery exhibition The Carpenters’ Line: Woodworking Heritage in Hida Takayama until 21:00 (last gallery entry is 20:30).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Japan House London, Kensington High Street, London, United Kingdom