The exhibition «Treasures. Collections of Asian Art from the Zaragoza Museum» showcases 373 pieces from the museum’s Asian Art section, resulting from the collaboration between the Government of Aragón and the City Council of Zaragoza. It includes works of Japanese woodblock prints, Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, and porcelain, with an emphasis on the provenance of collectors such as Federico Torralba and Víctor Pasamar.
The legacy of Federico Torralba, acquired in 2001, forms the foundation of the section, distinguished by its Buddhist art, Chinese works, and Japanese urushi lacquers. This collection includes an 18th-century samurai armor that was acquired recently. Additionally, the Pasamar-Onila collection includes the donation of 276 Japanese woodblock prints in 2023, featuring significant works by artists such as Katsushika Ōi and Uemura Shōen. Contemporary contributions also play an important role in the exhibition, with donations from ceramicists like Tanzan Kotoge and the Reijinsha publishing house, presenting works by Akatsuka Gyokuka and Watanabe Suiyoh.
Structure of the Exhibition and Its Content
The exhibition is organized into different sections that cover Asian religious art, where visitors can find Buddhist sculptures from Thailand, Tibet, and Gandhāra, in addition to Hindu ritual objects. In the Chinese art section, the public will be able to admire ceramics, porcelain, lacquers, and silk embroidery. Finally, Japanese art is represented by urushi lacquers, folding screens, calligraphy, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints, including representative pieces of noh and kabuki theater.
Educational Space and Scheduled Activities
The educational space includes a mokuhanga woodblock printing workshop where visitors can create their own prints, as well as a tactile exhibition of lacquers and ceramics to explore the textures of these works of art. Additionally, 3D animations from the «Virtual Heritage» project are presented in collaboration with CPIFP Los Enlaces and the Zaragoza Museum.
For those interested in visiting the exhibition, activities are scheduled for the general public on Sundays at 10:15 AM, and for families on Saturdays at 5:00 PM, from June 15 to July 27. Registrations can be made by calling 976 397 239 or at the Lonja, and schools and interested groups can contact through the email didacticaexposiciones@zaragoza.es.
The exhibition, curated by Ana Labaila, María Bayón, and Esther Martínez, features a catalog coordinated by Elena Barlés and David Almazán. Funded by the Japan Foundation, the exhibition stands out for its focus on technical diversity and the participation of female artists such as Katsushika Ōi.
