Ottoman willow shield, from the second half of the 16th century. Topkapı Palace Museum
Organized as part of the 2019 Turkish Culture Year in Japan, this exhibition presents the treasures of Topkapı Palace to Japanese audiences. In addition to about 170 objects from the palace collection, the exhibition recreates spaces from the Topkapı, including the library, a prayer room, part of the harem and a courtyard.
This exhibition sets out to emphasise friendly ties between Turkey and Japan, presenting works that were exchanged between the Ottoman sultans and Japan’s imperial family, and includes other Mejii-period art objects making a return visit to Japan. A shared passion for flowers is the constant leitmotif, appearing everywhere, from tableware to books, tiles, aigrettes and weapons.
March 20–May 20: National Art Center in Tokyo
June 14–July 28: National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto
From top: 17th-century Ottoman aigrette; bejewelled helmet from the second half of the 16th century; lacquered cover of Divan (collection of poems) from the first half of the 18th century; archer's ring (16th–17th century); 18th-century tulip vase
Ottoman willow shield, from the second half of the 16th century. Topkapı Palace Museum
Issue 66, December 2023
Turkey’s Centenary Issue
