Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art Exhibition Catalogue Autumn 2025

I am delighted to present to you my Autumn 2025 exhibition catalogue, it has been an absolute joy to bring these works of art in from literally all corners of the globe to showcase them for your enjoyment.

Amongst the various works of art in this year’s catalogue I proudly present a hand-picked selection of metalworks from such luminary artists as Unno Shomin, Suzuki Chokichi and Tsukada Shukyo. Each deservingly granted the highest possible accolade of becoming Imperial artists to the Emperor Meiji. (Teishitsu Gigei-in), individually recognised as achieving the pinnacle of metalwork production during this golden period.

The Imperial Household artist system was established in 1890 (Meiji 23) to continue and further develop these fine metalworking skills under the protection of the Imperial family.

Kano Natsuo (1828–1898), the leading metalwork artist of the time, was appointed a member at the outset. Natsuo became the first professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts metalwork course and taught the next generation of artists. Later Unno Shomin (1844–1915), Suzuki Chokichi (1844–1919) and Kagawa Katsuhiro (1853–1917) all highly skilled metal carvers of the Meiji period were appointed as Imperial Household artists. They each perfected techniques that had been developed throughout the Edo period. In 1913 Tsukada Shukyo (1848–1918) joined the handful of luminary artists to achieve such status.

I invite you to discover and enjoy viewing works by these Imperial artists as part of this year’s exhibition catalogue.

Best wishes
Steve