The Japan Society
Grants Past Recipients Small Grants 2019

Rabbit Miners and Coal-Picking Women: The Mining Art of Sakubei Yamamoto

Rabbit Miners and Coal-Picking Women: The Mining Art of Sakubei Yamamoto
Applicant: Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
Award: £1000
Field: Arts
Support for: public engagement activities

Project

In September 2019, the exhibition Rabbit Miners and Coal-Picking Women: The Mining Art of Sakubei Yamamoto officially opened at Big Pit National Coal Museum in Pontypool, Wales with special guests and musical performances.

This small but unique exhibition focussed on the work of Japanese artist Sakubei Yamamoto and his memories of life at the coal mine, expressed through his ink drawings and watercolour paintings.

The exhibition aimed to enable a comparison and contrast between the nature of coal mining in Wales and Japan, with particular reference to the impact on people and the communities. Images were located around the surface of the museum’s coal mine, creating a more interactive visitor experience.

The exhibition was well received and welcomed almost 4,500 visitors. Ongoing underground tours helped to enhance visitor experience by increasing their understanding of the nature of coal mining in Wales and Japan against the backdrop of a real coal mine.

Find out more about the exhibition here.

Successful Grants