Japan Society members are invited to a special guided visit to the exhibition Entering the Halls of the Chiyoda Palace, currently being held at the Japanese Gallery. 

 

Discover the little known story of the shoguns’ women, who lived in seclusion in Edo castle during the whole Tokugawa era, surrounded by great secrecy. Their life was depicted in an interesting series of antique woodblock prints, illustrating an array of Japanese customs and artistic pursuits, from seasonal celebrations and flower viewing to performing arts, many of which remain part of contemporary Japanese culture.

 

With access to antique books as well as original Ukiyoe prints on the theme of Chiyoda Palace Inner Quarters, a small group of Japan Society members are guided by curators, David Wertheim and Wojtek Doria, to the exhibition that is articulated around a set of magnificent triptychs by Chikanobu Toyohara (1838-1912) depicting life in the ancient women's quarters of the shogunal castle.

 

Throughout his life-long engagement with the arts, David Wertheim has lectured, curated, and contributed to numerous exhibitions, whilst featuring in documentary programmes. Exhibitions and lectures held in various museums and galleries include the Ashmolean Museum, The School of Oriental & African Studies University of London, the Royal Academy, and Daiwa Anglo-Japanese, as well as commercial establishments such as Liberty’s™, Henry Sotherans of Piccadilly amongst others. TV appearances include the series The Private Life of a Masterpiece produced for BBC2, and broadcastin 2004 and 2009; interview by Art Historian Andrew Graham-Dixon in 2006 as part of the acclaimed series The Secret of Drawing, produced for the BBC by Oxford Films. His lifelong contribution and passion in the subject led to the establishment of Ezen Foundation - a forum for education and a culture led series of events to widen and deepen the appreciation of Japanese art and culture, where exhibitions, talks, and performances have inspired many since its formation.

 

In 2022 Ezen Foundation ran its first successful exhibition Kimono: The Making of a Cultural Icon, which explored the history and culture of the kimono, illustrated through a careful selection of woodblock prints and vintage garments. In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of talks and events were held, including a Camden Passage Catwalk event in celebration of Japan’s National Kimono Day, which were attended by a wide and varied audience.

 

Passioned by Japanese culture, and especially the story of Japanese prints, Wojtek Doria has recently completed an MA in Art History of East Asia with SOAS London. Collaborating with Ezen Foundation on development and fundraising side, he has conducted the research for the exhibition.