‘Art of Japan’ features culture, crafts and community

Roughly 5,500 miles away, Japanese artistic traditions are deeply rooted in their culture. A new exhibit at Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology allows Cache Valley community members the opportunity to experience a glimpse of this culture for themselves. ​     ​ 

On Jan. 10, the museum hosted “Art of Japan: Textile and Print,” an event celebrating the grand opening of the new Japanese art exhibit. The museum is located on the second floor of Old Main in room 252. 

Community members in attendance had the opportunity to learn about Japanese fashion, textiles, printing, calligraphy and more. The event included Japanese snacks, crafts and an organized art display. 

Jack Burton

Japanese calligraphy is displayed in the “Art of Japan” exhibit in the Museum of Anthropology in Old Main on Jan 10.

The new addition to the museum features several authentic pieces curated by USU senior art and design student Morgan Meyers. The exhibit includes traditional Japanese attire such as a formal kimono ensemble and a detailed undergarment colored vibrantly red and marked with family crest symbols. It also included an obi dyed with a shibori technique, a traditional method similar to tie dye, and a formal kimono ensemble. The obi is a wide, sash-like fabric meant to be tied around the waist with an elaborate knot. 

While the fabrics and knots are carefully and intricately designed, much of the artistic detail is deliberately concealed when fully assembled in order to reflect Japanese values of humility and respect. 

“This exhibit is a lot about how important fashion is,” Meyers said. 

Each piece embodies the time and artistry that goes into Japanese fashion and art.  The displayed garments and fabrics include vibrant detail that showcases Japanese culture. 

“These are all objects from such a faraway place,” Meyers said. “It’s so important to be exposed to different cultures.” 

The exhibit additionally displays a handcrafted doll designed by a Cache Valley native who had the opportunity to spend time in Japan and learn from Japanese artists. After her death, her son gave the doll to USU senior lecturer Atsuko Neely, who gifted it to the display. 

“To my eyes, I think everything about that is authentic,” Neely said. 

Neely provided a calligraphy demonstration showcasing the artistry of Japanese calligraphy. To be proficient in calligraphy, one must master several brushstrokes before being able to create Japanese characters. She explained calligraphy allows for artistic and creative freedom. 

“Calligraphy seems to teach a whole aesthetic of Japanese culture rather than a superficial kind of commercial art,” Neely said. 

Neely’s father was a professional calligrapher, so she grew up around calligraphy. Now, she teaches a calligraphy class available to USU students who want to learn that form of art. 

Crafts like origami, kogin-zashi embroidery and woodblock printing were available to community members as an opportunity to learn more about Japanese art. Each table was set up with materials and a museum employee to help explain the process and significance of each craft. 

The museum provides a cultural and historical opportunity for education. Cache Valley community member Sean Hilton attended the event with his children as an opportunity to learn about history. 

“I enjoy Japan,” Hilton said. “I also enjoy most things historical.” 

The museum hosts events on the first Saturday of every month. In February, the museum will partner with the Aggie Chocolate Factory to learn about chocolate making.