The "Lacas Namban" exhibition explores the profound cultural encounter between Spain and Japan, marking the 400th anniversary of their first commercial relations during the Namban period. Visitors can delve into the unique Japanese lacquerware that adapted for religious artifacts in Spain and trace its artistic impact on New Spain, including the development of Mexican lacquer art. This presentation highlights significant historical background and diplomatic contexts.
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This exhibition commemorates the 400th anniversary of the first commercial relations between Europe and Japan, focusing on the Namban period (1543-1639). It explores the cultural encounter between Spain and Japan, showcasing Japanese lacquerware and its influence on Spanish art and religious artifacts, as well as its impact on art in New Spain.
The exhibition 'Lacas Namban. Huellas de Japón en España. IV Centenario de la Embajada Keichô' marks the 400th anniversary of the initial commercial ties between Europe and Japan, stemming from Hasekura Tsunenaga's journey to Spain. Held at the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas, it delves into the Namban period (1543-1639), a time of significant cultural exchange characterized by the interaction between Japanese traditions and early European visitors. The exhibition highlights the unique Namban-style lacquerware, originally intended for export, many exquisite examples of which were subsequently adapted for religious use in Spain, serving as reliquaries and containers for sacred objects. It also examines the lasting influence of Japanese art, particularly lacquerware and folding screens (biombos), on artistic production in New Spain during the 17th and 18th centuries. The exhibition is structured into three main areas. The first, on the ground floor, details the historical background and diplomatic context of the Keichô Embassy (1613-1620), featuring documents and objects like early Japanese armor. The second area, on the first floor, is dedicated to the Namban lacquerware preserved in Spain, illustrating its transformation into luxury items for religious purposes and showcasing pieces from various Spanish institutions, including the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas' own collection. The third area explores the influence of Japanese art on New Spain's artistic landscape, demonstrating how Namban lacquer and other Asian influences fostered the development of Mexican lacquer art (maque) and local biombos.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Lacas Namban. Huellas de Japón en España. IV Centenario de la Embajada Keichô at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
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