Reception of Chinese bronze antiquities in early twentieth-century Japan
Journal
Journal of the History of Collections
Journal Volume
29
Journal Issue
3
Pages
481-496
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
With a focus on Chinese bronze antiquities, this study examines the relationship between collecting and studying in early twentieth-century Japan and investigates how ancient Chinese forms were appropriated for different purposes. Japanese reception of Chinese bronze antiquities can be summarized in three phases. Firstly, the 1903 exhibition organized by the Imperial Museum presented a mixture of the karamono tradition of Japan and the jinshixue antiquarian knowledge of China. Secondly, in the 1910s, the Chinese antiquarian view became dominant as acclaimed Chinese collections were transported to Japan in large numbers. Finally, in the 1920s, the Chinese antiquarian view yielded to modern art historical and archaeological analysis when unearthed bronzes gained attention and the modern discipline of archaeology was introduced to Japan. Analysis of bronze reproductions further sheds light on the triangulation of collecting, studying and appropriating in each phase.
Type
journal article