'The Golden Journey' - Art Gallery of SA: Lisa views this exhibition in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
We've got a lot to thank Gilbert and Sullivan for but when their comic opera, The Mikado opened in London way back in 1885 little did they know that more than a century later the culture their opera helped make popular would be the subject of a major exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia. 'The Golden Journey' is the first major exhibition to bring together the cream of Japanese art from public and private collections from around Australia.
James Bennett, Curator: "In the late 19th century there was a coterie of well informed, very cultured collectors in Adelaide and in the stately homes around Adelaide who were collecting Japanese art as part of the international fashion or even craze or fad for Japanese art called 'Mikado-isma' - from Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado."
That's why observant visitors might recognise some of the pieces on show. An 18th century Samurai suit of armor for example usually resides in Martindale Hall near Mintaro in the Clare Valley. The grand Georgian mansion is testament to the tremendous wealth of that handful of families.
James Bennett, Curator: "This interest of early Adelaide collectors in Japanese art, the collectors who lived in Adelaide in the late 19th century has been very important also for the Art Gallery of South Australia in the establishment of it's first Japanese Art collection."
The Gallery began its Japanese collection in 1904 and has grown to be one of Australia's best - and it's still growing with new acquisitions like a 14th century hanging scroll. Believed to be the oldest Japanese Buddhist painting in Australia it depicts Amida Buddha greeting a dying follower.
James Bennett, Curator: "Traditionally, what would have happened was that a string would have been tied to the hand of the dying person which would have then been tied to the bottom of the scroll symbolising that Amida Buddha leading the dying person. The dying person would have been laying on their right side according to Buddhism, the most auspicious side or position in which to die…"
The Golden Journey tells the story of Japanese art from prehistoric times until Japan opened its door to the west in the late 19th century. More than 300 pieces are on show including a 300-year-old map screen - the only one of its type outside Japan. It details the important sea routes between Nagasaki an Osaka with stunning detail. White dots show dangerous reefs and shoals, sea routes and distances are marked as are great battles and famous temples. James says an Osaka merchant probably commissioned it.
James Bennett, Curator: "It was probably commissioned by him partly as a decorative piece but also partly as a utilitarian piece. You can image him sitting pointing to his captain who's about to sale to Nagasaki, 'now you've got to watch out here and watch out for the shoals at that point and when you go around there be careful'. So it clearly has a utilitarian purpose. One of the great beauties of Japanese art is the way that objects that were intended for daily practical use are embued with a beauty and sensitivity that still today - 300 years later can touch our hearts."
The same can be said about the rare hand scroll dating back to the 18th century.
James Bennett, Curator: "It's a very rare hand scroll depicting the indigenous people of Japan, the Ainu. It is one of the oldest depictions of the Ainu people of northern Japan."
The hand scroll is 8 metres long and its fragility means only two metres can be displayed at a time. Time it right like us and you'll be lucky enough to see James unroll another section of the scroll and reveal another chapter of Japanese history.
James: "They scroll depicts the Ainu people salmon fishing for the Japanese merchants. It's particularly interesting because not only is it a very early document depicting the Ainu, it actually records the exploitation of Ainu fishing grounds by Japanese who came in and took over the fishing rights for the fishing grounds and exploited the Ainu people as forced labour to fish salmon for them. So it certainly has a resonance with Australia's own indigenous people who lost their fishing and hunting grounds during the process of white settlement of this country."
The Golden Journey doesn't end with the exhibition. Book ahead and you an immerse yourself further with a Japanese inspired meal in the Art Gallery restaurant. It's a lovely way to round off the day.
The Golden Journey is open at the Art gallery on North Terrace until the end of May. It's open most days. If you have any furhter questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
'The Golden Journey'
Art Gallery of SA
North Terrace
Open daily 10am-5pm
$12 Adults, $10 Concession, Children under 16 free
Ph 8207 7000Published 19th April 2009
