This display at the Château de Fontainebleau presents an exceptional group of diplomatic gifts, offered by Shogun Iemochi to Napoleon III between 1860–64, shortly after Japan opened to the West in 1854. Among them are a group of 10 exquisite kakemono paintings on silk, a folding screen with a scene of a horseman among misty mountains painted on gold leaf, and cabinets with intricate lacquer panelling inlaid – in short, a collection fit for an emperor. The exhibition runs from 4 June to 20 September; find out more from the Château de Fontainebleau’s website.
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Folding screen, Japan. Photo: © RMN-Grand Palais (château de Fontainebleau)/Gérard Blot
Kakemono painting on silk, Japan. Photo: © RMN-Grand Palais (château de Fontainebleau)/Gérard Blot
Kakemono painting on silk, Japan. Photo: © RMN-Grand Palais (château de Fontainebleau)/Gérard Blot
Cabinet, Japan. Photo: © RMN-Grand Palais (château de Fontainebleau)/Gérard Blot