Handicrafts of Central Asia: Gorgeous Embroidery and Jewelry from the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum Collection - To be held from Saturday, April 11 to Sunday, June 14, 2026

In Central Asia, located on the Silk Road, various ethnic groups have crossed paths since ancient times, giving rise to diverse cultures. The culture of the Silk Road, set in the vast region stretching from Europe to Asia, has sparked numerous booms in Japan. However, the Central Asian countries that were once part of the Soviet Union (present-day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan) have been regions where information is hard to obtain, and their traditional lifestyles and rich crafts have not been widely known. In recent years, however, opportunities to learn about the region have increased through manga and the Osaka Kansai Expo, bringing attention to their brilliant handicrafts.

The embroidery cloths known as "Suzani" and the costumes passed down among the Uzbek people and others living in oasis cities are characterized by unique, mysterious patterns and rich colors. The embroidery, completely covering the fabric crafted by women, fascinates people across times and regions. On the other hand, the Turkmen, many of whom lived a nomadic life in desert areas, created a custom of adorning themselves with heavy silver jewelry. These pieces of jewelry were not merely decorative items but were imbued with wisdom and prayers to survive in harsh environments.

This exhibition will introduce the diverse crafts that blossomed in Central Asia, drawn from the collection of the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, which boasts Japan's premier collection of Uzbek and Turkmen textiles and jewelry. We hope you will enjoy the delicate and gorgeous craftsmanship through the embroidery and jewelry handed down in each ethnic group.

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・ Exhibition Period
Saturday, April 11 to Sunday, June 14, 2026

・ Opening Hours
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (open until 8:00 PM every Friday) *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

・ Admission Fees
Adults 1,000 yen (800 yen), University students 800 yen (640 yen),
High school students / Seniors 60 and over 500 yen (400 yen), Elementary/Junior high school students 100 yen (80 yen)
*Prices in ( ) are for groups of 10 or more and Shibuya Ward residents.
*Free for elementary and junior high school students on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
*Free for Shibuya Ward residents every Friday.
*Free for persons with disabilities and one accompanying person.

・ Closed Days
Mondays (open on May 4), Thursday, April 30, and Thursday, May 7

Organizer: Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya
Special Cooperation: Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
Planning Cooperation: Curators

Venue: Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya
2-14-14 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0046
Phone: 03-3465-9421 Website: https://shoto-museum.jp

・ Transportation Guide
● 5-minute walk from Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
● 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station on JR, Tokyo Metro, and Tokyu lines
*No parking available

*The exhibition period, opening hours, events, etc., are subject to change or cancellation. Please check our website or SNS for the latest information.