Unique showcase of Japanese ornamental artifacts in Palanga: Samurai treasures on display
Get ready to delve into the intriguing world of the Samurai! The Palanga Amber Museum is hosting a mesmerizing exhibition, titled Samurai Treasures, showcasing the artistic elements of Japanese swords and diminutive sculptures from the collection of the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts.
This exhibition offers an exclusive peek into the life of the Japanese warrior caste, their customs, and the artistic expressions that have endured over centuries. The grand opening is at 4 pm on Friday, 16 May, and it will captivate audiences until 15 September.
Hailing from the Edo period (1603 – 1868), these artefacts have journeyed all the way from Kyiv. Intricately designed Japanese swords (katana), adorned handguards (tsuba), and miniature sculptures in ivory (netsuke) offer a stunning representation of samurai culture and aesthetics, providing a glimpse into their daily lives and philosophy.
As many of you may know, the LNMA started collaborating with the Khanenko National Museum of Arts in 2023, introducing rare collections to Lithuanian audiences. Arūnas Gelūnas, the museum's director general, acknowledges the dedication and efforts of his colleagues in Ukraine who have made this exhibition possible, especially during a challenging time for their country[1].
Dr Sigita Bagužaitė-Talačkienė, the museum's director, is excited to offer quality cultural content to the museum's visitors over the summer months, enriching their beach-time experiences[1]. The exhibition is further enriched by various educational events, exhibition tours, and activities that allow visitors to learn more about Japanese culture and up-coming events at the museum.
This exhibition recognizes the interconnectedness of Japan and Lithuania through amber, with beautiful specimens of Japanese amber work on display at the museum. Furthermore, the exhibition highlights the intricate connection between aesthetics, functionality, and symbolism in Japanese craftsmanship during the Edo period[2].
Samurais strictly followed the Bushido code of conduct, emphasizing virtues like honor, loyalty, and courage. Their education extended to mastering martial arts, literature, calligraphy, and other cultural practices. The traditional Japanese culture is characterized by a seamless blending of functionality and aesthetics, as exemplified by the handguards (tsuba) and miniature sculptures (netsuke), despite their small size, they encapsulate deep symbolic meanings[3].
The Samurai Treasures exhibition is a result of extensive efforts by numerous individuals, including those from the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, Tadas Gečauskas, and Romas Klapatauskas, who transported the artefacts from Kyiv to Palanga[4]. The exhibition highlights just a fraction of the remarkable collection preserved in the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts, representing the samurai world in artistic detail.
In a nutshell, the Samurai Treasures exhibition at the Palanga Amber Museum offers an unmissable opportunity for art enthusiasts and admirers of Japanese culture to immerse themselves in the rich history and enthralling aesthetics of the samurai warrior caste. Mark your calendars for the opening at 4 pm on Friday, 16 May, and join us on a fascinating journey through time!
Sources:1. https://lnma.lt/en/2. https://japanesefolklore.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/art-function-and-aesthetics-in-japanese-craftsmanship/3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/samurai4. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2017/04/27/ukrainian-art-goes-on-show-in-lithuania
- The Samurai Treasures exhibition at the Palanga Amber Museum offers a glimpse into the historic lifestyle of the Japanese warrior caste, providing a unique blend of education and culture.
- The intricate Japanese swords (katana) and miniature sculptures (netsuke) on display showcase the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden aesthetics of samurai culture.
- As part of the exhibition, visitors can participate in educational events, tours, and activities to learn more about Japanese food-and-drink, travel, and up-coming events at the museum.
- The cooperation between the Lithuanian National Museum of Art and the Khanenko National Museum of Arts has allowed Lithuanians to discover and appreciate diverse artistic elements, such as transportation of these samurai treasures from Kyiv.
