BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Embassy of Japan is showcasing its fifth art exhibition on “Contemporary Japanese Crafts” at the Brunei Museum in the hope of bringing the people of Brunei and Japan closer through the sharing of Japanese culture.

“In Japan, crafts and craftsmen have always been much respected,” said Japanese ambassador Hirose Noriki in his speech delivered at the launch of the event. “Respect for craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the minds of the Japanese people.”

The exhibition which will be held until June 27 was launched by the Head of Brunei History Centre, Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Hj Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Hj Umar.

Also present at the launch was Acting Director of Museums Department, Bantong Antaran, heads of diplomatic missions and government officers.

Japanese crafts, which have been around for thousands of years, are an evolving form influenced by other countries and enjoyed by the Japanese people both for its practical use and as works of art.

“Some academics are of the opinion that such a mindset of the Japanese, with their appreciation for and respect of precise craftsmanship, has had a direct influence on building the manufacturing industry in modern Japan and played a role in developing Japan into a country internationally recognised for its advanced technology and industry,” Hirose said.

The ambassador, in his speech, also highlighted the cooperation between Japan and Brunei with regard to craft production over the past years.

“In 2008 and 2009 respectively, with the assistance of the Japan External Trade Organisation or Jetro, Japanese specialists from three companies visited Brunei and worked with their Bruneian counterparts in the field of glass-making and traditional handwoven textiles,” he said.

The handicrafts were produced were exhibited in Japan during an International Exhibition in December, 2009.

Education and Culture Counsellor at the Japanese Embassy, Akira Sato told The Brunei Times that the collection which is estimated to cost around US$240,000 (B$340,000) was previously showcased in Nepal and is part of Japan’s travelling exhibition. “Each piece cost (between) US$4,000 and US$10,000.”

Sixty-four pieces of contemporary Japanese craft works are on display during the exhibition, divided into six themes: Ostentation; Quiet Refinement; Crispness; Fine Detail; Deformation; and, Flower and Birds.

Previous exhibitions had featured artistic creations revolving around pottery, Asian cartoons, clay work and posters.

The Brunei Times

• 'Give women power to make changes'
• New committee on women's issues
• Recognise media's role in nation building: Pressman
• Media need to report accurately, responsibly
• New bridge opens in Sg Liang