Strangeness first and curiosity later: these were the ingredients that allowed the intercultural dialogue that gave rise to the introduction of original iconographic themes and repertoires that are reflected in the works of art present in the Portuguese Presence Exhibition in Asia.
Thus, objects from India, produced from European models, but with local techniques and raw materials – to initially satisfy an ecclesiastical clientele and, later, orders from European noble and bourgeois elites – are manifested here in the liturgical implements, textiles, jewellery, furniture, ivory objects, safes, counters, revealing the symbolism and symbiosis of the two cultures. The same happened in Japan, where the contacts established between the Japanese and the first Portuguese, gave rise to a unique artistic manifestation known as “namban art” of which the screens, counters, oratories, helmet and stirrups are eloquent examples.
The great fascination exercised by Chinese and Japanese cultures, since the 16th century, remained until the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, with Portuguese intellectuals Camilo Pessanha and Manuel Teixeira Gomes, who became reference figures in the art of collecting. By collecting iconic objects from these cultures – such as scroll paintings, Chinese painting albums, costumes, objects for scholars, Chinese snuff bottles, netsuke and Japanese tsubas – they left a remarkable legacy that, thanks to the collaboration of the Machado de Castro National Museum, can be seen in the Museum of the Orient.
The remarkable set of porcelain produced in China is one of the references of the Museu do Oriente, making it one of the institutions of reference in the field of decorative arts.
Source: https://www.foriente.pt/detalhe.php?id=26F4A205-A55B-473F-A6D7-0FC959095D3D&area=exposicoes