1000 Years of the Art of Japanese Books

This exhibition is the first time - in this country – that some of the finest and most interesting Japanese antiquarian books, manuscripts and documents held by the Tenri Central Library are presented together. The exhibition will present the public with an accessible insight into the historical relationship between Japan and the UK and encourage a greater understanding of some of the shared knowledge, interests and experiences, and the influence of the previous 400 years on this relationship today. This year will see J400 an international celebration of the 400th anniversary of Japan – UK relations with a series of cultural events planned in Japan and the UK throughout the year.

Visitors can experience the one thousand year long history of Japanese classical texts and highlight their bookbinding style, format, paper quality, illustration and calligraphic style so that Japanese book culture can be appreciated in all its beauty.