[2025 Collection Exhibition] The World of Venetian Glass and Carnival
"The Protagonists" Photo: Takashi Tsuboya Diamond-point engraved Vangelisti family crest compote
Late 16th century - early 17th century VeniceOpalescent Glass Saucepot, 19th Century, Venice Dolphin-stemmed wine glass, 20th century In the XNUMXth century, the prestigious Italian glass studio, Salviati Atelier, released a series of marine life. Motifs such as dolphins and seahorses, which represent the water city of Venice, became extremely popular. As can be seen in this piece, the design has been passed down to the present day and continues to be loved by people. Glass Dolls "Commedia dell'Arte" 20th Century Venice Jazz musician, circa 1930, Venice Hollow footrest, 18th century, Venice Enamel wine glass, 19th century, Venice "Passion" Photo: Takashi Tsuboya "Fortune-telling the journey" Photo: Takashi Tsuboya
Carnival is a grand event held in countries around the world every year around February. Its origins come from the Latin "carne revare" (farewell to meat), and it was originally held for religious reasons, but it has since become a distinctive festival with the addition of local festivals and traditions. The Venice Carnival, in particular, is one of the three biggest carnivals in the world, known for its elaborate costumes and masks.
This exhibition divides the Venice Carnival into four chapters: "Feast," "Theater," "Gambling," and "Masquerade," and introduces decorative glasses and compotes that brighten up the feast, as well as glass figures full of life and energy that look as if they might come to life at any moment. In the "Masquerade" chapter, photographs of modern carnivals taken by photographer Takashi Tsuboya are on display. Enjoy the world of the Venice Carnival with Venetian glass, which is filled with the high modeling techniques of glass artisans.
Chapter 1: "Feast - Farewell to meat"
Every year around February, carnivals are held all over the world, including Venice (Italy), Rio (Brazil), and Nice (France). The word carnival originates from the Latin phrase meaning "farewell to meat," and comes from the fact that devout Christians abstain from eating meat and sweets until Easter, remembering the 2-day fasting penance that Jesus Christ underwent in the wilderness.
Before the carnival, people traditionally gather with family and close friends to eat meaty dishes and sweet fried goods, and the final day is known as "Martedí grasso" (Fat Tuesday), as people eat plenty of nutrition to prepare themselves for the difficult period ahead.
Table settings that brightly decorate the dining table are also an important element in livening up a banquet. In this chapter, we will introduce the delicate and elegant wine glasses and compotes made from Venetian glass that will add a touch of elegance to a sumptuous meal.
Chapter 2: Theater - Masked Comedy (Commedia dell'arte)
One of the joys of carnival is not only eating, but also watching the Commedia dell'arte, improvised comedy performed by masked performers. Commedia dell'arte originated in northern Italy in the mid-16th century and was popular throughout Europe until the 18th century, greatly influencing playwrights such as Shakespeare and Molière, as well as operas such as "Turandot." In this chapter, we will introduce glass dolls, focusing on works that depict the characters of the Commedia dell'arte that people looked forward to. The dynamic expressions and movements of the dolls, which look as if they could come to life at any moment, will invite you into a world of comedy full of laughter.
Chapter 3: Gambling - Interacting with strangers
Carnival entertainment also included gambling halls called ridottos and masked balls. Although gambling was illegal, government-approved gambling halls were held in the mansions of nobles during the carnival. When visiting such places, visitors had to wear a white mask called a bauta and a black hood. By dressing up, anyone could participate regardless of their social status, and people could interact with various people they would not meet in their daily lives. In addition to the main hall, gambling halls also had small rooms, where they had bars to enjoy alcohol and cafes to drink coffee and chocolate drinks, making them places not only for gambling but also for socializing. In this chapter, we introduce cups and wine glasses that further enhance the mysterious atmosphere of ridottos and masked balls.
Chapter 4: "Disguise yourself - Becoming someone you're not"
The Venice Carnival allows everyone to enjoy it equally, regardless of status, gender, or age, by dressing up in masks and capes, and it also allows people to interact with people they would never meet in their daily lives. In the past, Venice had strict social class differences, and costumes began as a way to hide one's true face and escape from everyday life.
This fascinating entertainment gradually captivated people, and in the 18th century it grew to be held for as long as six months, eventually coming to an end with the demise of the Republic of Venice.
About 180 years later, in 1979, the carnival was restarted to revive the tradition, and now, gorgeous costumes and masks that match the elegant streets of Venice adorn the city, and it has become a festival that anyone can freely participate in, regardless of borders. In this chapter, we introduce photographs of the Venetian Carnival by photographer Takashi Tsuboya.
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Venue | |
Location | 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa |
Access | 25 minutes by bus <for Togendai> from "Hakone Yumoto" station, get off at "Tawaraishi / Hakone Glass Forest" |
TEL | 0460-86-3111 |
website | https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp |
Opening hours | 10: 00 ~ 17: 30 (Admission ~ 17: 00) |
Museum Holidays | Closed for 11 days from the day after Coming of Age Day every year |
Prices | <Adult> 1,800 yen <High school student> 1,300 yen <Small and medium-sized students> 600 yen |
Facility information | Cafe restaurant, museum shop, watermill "Acello (original confectionery shop)", experience workshop |
Parking | There(1 yen per day) *Parking fees are scheduled to be revised on April 300, 2025 (4 yen per day) |
Payments |
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Updated: 2025.01.15