Udagawa Kazuo, bronze figure
(c. 1903 AD)
Japanese Decorative Arts Gallery,
Gallery 26, Ground Floor

 
Related Objects in the Ashmolean Museum:
These objects are all in the same gallery as the bronze figure.
 
* Large Jar Decorated with a Bird Cage
Gallery 26, ground floor, Japanese Decorative Arts Gallery. In the case opposite the Object of the Month.

This incredible jar is made of a variety of materials -- porcelain, wood, papier-mache, lacquer and metal. Once belonging to Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony (1670-1733) in Dresden, it may well have been made especially for him and thus represents European tastes at that time. Note the lavish decoration, including the elephant head handles and the bird in its cage, which contrasts starkly with the neatly understated wares made for Japanese tastes.
 

* Objects for the Tea Ceremony and Dishes for Japanese Cuisine
Gallery 26, ground floor, Japanese Decorative Arts Gallery. Western end of the gallery.
In the western end of the gallery you will find wares made for use in Japan rather than for export to Europe. They display a more restrained style and differ in form from those produced for the West. Both the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Japanese cuisine demanded specially designed cups and dishes. Cups, dishes and tea-jars used in the Tea Ceremony are displayed three cases to the right of the Object of the Month. Japanese meals use many small dishes, examples of which can be found in the far corner of the western end.