In the midst of the period of American occupation, Jiro Shirasu devoted himself for the recovery of Japan and its peace and independence, bearing the full brunt of the negotiations with GHQ. Because of his vigorous deeds, the Americans called him "the only insubordinate Japanese ever known." Spending his student days in Cambridge, Britain, Jiro acquired manners and education of British gentlemen, while leading a dramatic yet gracious life in tumultuous time. Meanwhile, his wife Masako flourished as writer and antique collector. Born as a daughter of Earl Kabayama, Masako became well-acquainted with Japanese classic arts at an early age. Then, at the age of 19, she got married with Jiro Shirasu. Through the relationship with the circle of friends like Jiro Aoyama and Hideo Kobayashi, Masako came to appreciate and got fascinated by the beauty of antiques. "The very act of looking at beautiful antiques and using them enriches myself" said Masako. This statement speaks of her natural self, who lived her spiritually-affluent life surrounded by lovable antique items.
On view in this exhibition are the documents of the time when Jiro exerted himself to Japan's recovery, his belongings that tell of the British dandyism, Buddhist artworks and antique ceramics, including early Imari ware, from Masako's collection. In addition, their lifestyle will be introduced through the reproduction of Buai-so, the house in Tsurukawa they moved to in anticipation of Japanese defeat in war.
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