Japan: Courts & Culture

Discover the exquisite artistry and rich history behind the Royal Collection's Japan: Courts & Culture exhibition through our exclusive film. Screened within the museum gallery, this documentary offered visitors an unparalleled, up-close look at the intricate techniques and fascinating details they might have otherwise missed in the physical display. It took audiences on a captivating journey, revealing the stories behind some of the most significant examples of Japanese art and design ever held in the Western world.

For the first time, highlights from the outstanding Royal Collection were brought together to tell a remarkable story of 300 years of diplomatic, artistic, and cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families. Our film provided a unique insight into the worlds of ritual, honor, and artistry that linked these two fascinating cultures.

Going behind the scenes, the film explored the creation of these magnificent objects. Viewers witnessed the meticulous craftsmanship involved in formidable samurai armor, marvelled at the intricate layers and polished finishes of exquisite lacquerware, learned about the traditional techniques that brought vibrant woodblock prints to life, and admired the delicate needlework and storytelling captured in grand embroidered screens. The exhibition featured rare pieces of porcelain, lacquer, and diplomatic gifts spanning the reigns of James I to Queen Elizabeth II, and our film brought these historical treasures to life, showcasing the exceptional skill and dedication of the Japanese artisans.