An exhibition of priceless pieces from Taipei City-based National Palace Museum opened June 24 in Tokyo, underscoring the strength of long-standing cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan.
“The exhibition enables Japan’s art lovers to appreciate the closeness of exchanges between the two East Asian cultures,” NPM Director Fung Ming-chu said during a special tea party held the day before at exhibition venue Tokyo National Museum.
“I also wish to thank all parties involved in making the show possible, especially the Diet for passing the Promotion of Publication of Overseas Works of Art Bill in March 2011 to safeguard NPM treasures while on display in Japan.”
Earlier, TNM Director Masami Zeniya expressed regret over the controversy surrounding some of the promotional materials for the exhibition referring to the NPM as Taipei Palace Museum. The TNM arranged for the replacement of all offending materials.
Fung praised the TNM for redressing the situation, adding that she believes the gesture can help restore the trust and friendship of Taiwan people for Japan.
Although the incident is resolved, it did result in some fallout. The NPM cancelled the June 20 unboxing ceremony for Jadeite Cabbage with Insects, and first lady Chow Mei-ching’s visit to Japan to promote the event remains postponed.
Comprising 231 artworks, the exhibition will show at the TNM until Sept. 15 before moving to sister facility Kyushu near Fukuoka from Oct. 7 to Nov. 30. It is the first time the NPM has sent an exhibition abroad in Asia.
NPM treasures have been exhibited in Austria, France, Germany and the U.S. (SFC-JSM)
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