The first samurai armour ever seen in Britain; splendid coronation and jubilee gifts presented to monarchs from Queen Victoria to Her Majesty The Queen, and a never-before-seen woodcut print of Buckingham Palace are among the highlights of the new exhibition Japan: Courts and Culture at The Queen’s Gallery, London.

Miniature cabinet of drawers, c.1905–07. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022.

The Royal Collection holds some of the finest examples of Japanese art and design in the western world. For the first time, more than 150 works have been brought together to tell the story of 350 years of diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchange between Britain and Japan, from first encounters under King James I to the modern partnership of The Queen’s reign.
 
The exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, which runs until 26 February 2023, will display together for the first time all four suits of samurai armour in the Royal Collection. These include an armour sent to James I in 1613 by Japan’s military leader – the first known samurai armour to arrive on British soil and the first diplomatic gift between Japan and Britain.

Exquisite gifts presented by the Japanese Imperial Family to mark the coronations and jubilees of British monarchs will be on display, many for the first time, including an embroidered folding screen sent to Queen Victoria by the Emperor Meiji for her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Itaya Hiroharu, folding screen paintings, 1860. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022.

Queen Mary was perhaps the most enthusiastic royal collector of Japanese art. Highlights on display from her collection include delicate folding fans and colourful woodcut floral prints. An atmospheric woodcut print of Buckingham Palace at dusk, on display for the first time, was presented to Queen Mary in 1928 by Makino Yoshio, one of the most celebrated Japanese artists in Britain at the time.

Makino Yoshio, Buckingham Palace, London, seen across Green Park c.1911 © Akinori Makino

A miniature lacquer cabinet presented to Queen Mary for her Coronation in 1911 (pictured at the top of the page), bears the Imperial chrysanthemum crest and opens to reveal drawers decorated with mother-of-pearl butterflies. It was created by Akatsuka Jitoku, one of the most accomplished lacquerers of his generation. Only a dozen or so of his works are known outside Japan.
 
On the occasion of Her Majesty’s Coronation in 1953, the Emperor Showa (Hirohito) sent The Queen the first post-war diplomatic gift between the two nations: a box decorated with a delicate silver heron by the great lacquer artist Shirayama Shosai. Nearly 70 years later, as the nation celebrates Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, visitors to The Queen’s Gallery will have the opportunity to see this exquisitely crafted Coronation gift up close.

Edward, Prince of Wales’s visit to Japan, 16 April 1922. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022.

Rachel Peat, curator of Japan: Courts and Culture, said: “We are delighted to give visitors a rare chance to see these stunning works from Japan, which have been marvelled at, displayed and cherished by members of the British royal family for centuries.

"It’s a real opportunity to see first-hand the precious materials and intricate techniques which have so profoundly shaped British taste and which helped forge a lasting relationship between the two nations. We hope visitors will enjoy discovering the worlds of ritual, honour and artistry that link the courts and cultures of Britain and Japan to this day.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “This fascinating exhibition brings together 350 years of exquisite gifts and artworks from Japan for the first time. This is a must-see for art lovers and all those interested in royal history in this year of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We look forward to seeing the incredible works on display.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of the United Kingdom in Platinum Jubilee year or beyond, discovering 1000 years of royal history, please do contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you would like us to create your very own Culture Tour, allowing you to explore the best of British art in some of the world’s greatest art galleries. Whatever your tastes, we can help.