Japanese Art, British Museum
Land of the Rising Sun. Behold the early Dogu ceramics (that influenced a famous David Bowie costume, let alone Manga comic stories). And those cruel yet elegant Samurai swords and unique armour (looking at them is to have Shogun rear up in front of you, the real thing, stern and glowering, not just a lapdog of a name in a history book). And then, point counterpoint, those cruel swords melt into geishas in woodblock prints from the ‘Floating world’ pleasure quarters of Edo (Tokyo). And just over here, the most refined laquerware (a tale of gold dust blown onto the wet lacquer through a straw). And round this corner, Zen Buddhism. Short of flying half way round the world it’s as close as you can get to that world view, that mindset, that outlook, that way of making sense of this existence. The recreated tea house with its extraordinary rituals – it’s not just an exhibit, it’s a Zen Buddhism experience.
There is no need to book for this guided tour. This walk is offered as part of London Walks. You can check their website for times and dates by clicking here. Or email Barry and he will reply with the information.
