Voyages to Asia
One of the most interesting and particular phases in the history of collecting in Lombardy.
Kawari kabuto, or “extravagant helmet”, with mask (Edo Period (1603-1868)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
In the mid-1800s, a silkworm pandemic led some of Europe’s main textile merchants to explore southern Asia to find uncontaminated silkworm seeds.
Clothing fabric (Mid-19th century) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
Fascinated by the superior skill and refined materials of Asian craftsmanship encountered during their travels, they returned from their commercial mission with impressive selections of Chinese and Japanese artworks: silk robes, embroidered fabrics, kimonos, theater masks, calligraphy sets, scepters, painted porcelain and finely engraved bronze sculptures.
Nuihaku, nō Theater costume (Around 1870) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
Most of the objects on display come from two endowments, the Carlo Giussani collection and Giovanni Battista Lucini Passalacqua’s so-called Japanese museum.
Onna norimono, noblewoman’s palanquin (Edo Period (1603-1868)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
Lady’s Palanquin
This sedan chair belongs to the most opulent type of palanquins
used in ancient Japan, reserved exclusively to women of the nobility for transport during ceremonies and parades associated
with weddings.
Amida Buddha (Amitābha) (Edo Period (1603-1868)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
Statue of Amida Buddha
Amida, also known as Amitābha or the celestial buddha of the
Western Paradise, is normally depicted seated in meditation on a
throne in the shape of a lotus flower with a large boat-like halo.
In Japan, what distinguishes this figure from that of the original Shaka Buddha (Gautama) is the position of the hands, resting on the lap with interlocked fingers and index and thumb forming a ring.
The Travel Collections:
Passalacqua, Giussani,
and Meazza
The Japanese collections were formed from the trades and noble tourists of the time. Among these collections, stand out those of Passalacqua, Giussani and Meazza.
Nō theater mask (Edo Period (1603-1868)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
Most works date to the end of the Edo era (1603-1868), a long period of peace that favored the flourishing of the arts in Japan.
The most common materials associated with late 19th century Japanese art are textiles, lacquers, and bronzes.
Fabric sample (Around 1870) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
However, Passalacqua, Giussani, and Meazza collected also innovative ceramic artwork, painted scrolls, weapons, and small clothing accessories.
Plate (19th century (second half)) by Hirado productionMudec - Museum of Cultures
Netsuke
The term netsuke refers to broaches that were used to tie small accessories to Japanese garments, which had no pockets. The most common accessories were tobacco pouches with a pipe and tinderbox, small lacquered boxes with compartments, or calligraphy sets. The item hung from a silk cord which wrapped around the belt of the robe and was securely fastened with a netsuke.
Chessboard for go game shaped netsuke (19th century (second half)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
In Japan, netsuke quickly became sought after as collectibles for their elaborate manufacture and evaluated according to their artist’s signature.
Theatrical mask of oni shaped netsuke (19th century (second half)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
Shishimai dancer shaped netsuke (19th century (second half)) by Cultures of JapanMudec - Museum of Cultures
They come in various shapes and forms, representing everyday work objects connected with trades, real or imaginary animals associated with the horoscope or with auspicious word plays, deities, or caricatured figures.
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