Kazari – Japanese Ornamentation Exhibit

The Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo Midtown exhibition, KAZARI: The Impulse to Decorate in Japan,  will be on display until July 13, 2003.

The Japanese have employed kazari (the act of adorning) for centuries and this exhibit highlights examples ranging from ceremonial clothing to ancient Jômon ceramics and offers insight and examples of how it is employed today in contemporary art.

The act of kazaru (adorning) momentarily lifted one’s spirits from the everyday realm and offered a tantalizing glimpse of the exotic pleasures that lay beyond those allowed by specified status and class. Efforts to adorn (kazaru) at times reveal a surprising disregard for practicality but have proven to be a profound motivating force in Japanese culture.

Event Details:

Location:  Suntory Museum of Art
Dates: May 24 through July 13, 2008
Hours:  Sundays, Mondays and National Holidays 10 AM -6 PM, Wednesdays to Saturdays 10 AM -8 PM, closed Tuesdays.
Admission: Adult ¥1,300(¥1,200)/College, High School Student ¥1,000(¥900)/Elementary, Junior-High school students and under are free.
Access:   Via underground walkway from Exit 8 of Roppongi station or a 3 minutes walk from Exit3 of Nogizaka station (map).

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia, Kakiemon Jar