In commemoration of the 130th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations, the Japan Foundation proudly presented “The History of Japanese Art: Life and Faith”, an exhibition at the Bangkok National Museum from December 27 to February 18. Co-presented by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan, Tokyo National Museum, Kyushu National Museum and the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture of Thailand, the exhibition introduced the history of Japanese art through 106 rare items, covering over 6,000 years from prehistory to the Edo period (1603 –1868). Highlights of the exhibition included three national treasures: Sixteen Arhats: Third Arhat and Sixteen Arhats: Sixth Arhat from the 11th century, and Sword mounting of kazari-tachi type with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration and gold fittings on nashiji lacquer ground from the 12th century, which were shown in Thailand for the first time.
