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An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
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Reader rating
Description: The best of the last 50 years of the annual Japan Traditional Crafts exhibition, including ceramics, metalwork, glass and lacquerwork.
Phone: 0207323 8299
Website: www.britishmuseum.org
Email: information@britishmuseum.org
Trains: Tube: Russell Square/Tottenham Court Road/Holborn 
, Tube / Bus: 1, 7, 8, 10, 14, 19, 24, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242 
Extra info: Food
An ornamental box of red lacquer on wood made in 1957 wouldn't look out of place next to an Andy Warhol print
Here in Britain we may happily talk of the odd theatrical dame as a national treasure, but we certainly haven't gone as far as Japan which, for the past 50 years, has actively celebrated its 'Living National Treasures' by government decree. These venerated beings are the holders of important craft skills which have been handed down through centuries.
In this compact, and undoubtedly beautiful, exhibition, the British Museum celebrates these custodians of traditional skills by showing the best examples of their work. It covers a variety of crafts, including ceramics, lacquer work and textiles, the latter made into traditional kimonos with the most intricate patterns.
Dolls are exquisitely crafted in a variety of delicate materials. Yet, though Western eyes may perceive these to be little more than mantelpiece adornments, in Japanese culture they are celebrated each year with their own festival.
Though utilising traditional skills, time certainly doesn't stand still for these craftsmen of exceptional talent. An ornamental box of red lacquer on wood, made in 1957 by Kuroda Tatsuaki, is, with its deep undulating ridges and curves, a gorgeously funky object of desire. And it really wouldn't look out of place next to an Andy Warhol print.
Until Oct 21, British Museum, Great Russell Street WC1, daily 10am to 5.30pm (Thu and Fri to 8.30pm), £5, £4 concs. Tel: 020 7323 8181. www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk Tube: Holborn
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
