Central Asian Handicrafts – Magnificent Embroidery and Jewelry from the Collection of the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum – April 11 (Sat) - June 14 (Sun), 2026

Central Asia, located along the Silk Road, has been a crossroads for various peoples since ancient times, fostering a rich diversity of cultures. The culture of the Silk Road, spanning the vast region from Europe to Asia, has seen several booms in popularity in Japan. However, the Central Asian countries (present-day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan), formerly part of the Soviet Union, have been difficult to obtain information about, and their traditional lifestyles and rich crafts have not been widely known. In recent years, opportunities to learn about the region have increased through manga and the Osaka-Kansai Expo, drawing attention to their magnificent handicrafts.

Embroidery cloths known as "Suzani" and clothing, passed down among peoples like the Uzbeks who lived in oasis cities, are characterized by their unique and mysterious patterns and rich color palettes. The embroidery, meticulously crafted by women to fill the entire cloth, has captivated people across eras and regions. On the other hand, the Turkmen, who were largely nomadic in desert regions, developed a tradition of adorning themselves with heavy silver jewelry. These pieces were not only decorative but also imbued with the wisdom and prayers for surviving in a harsh environment.

This exhibition introduces a variety of crafts that flourished in Central Asia, selected from the collection of the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, which boasts one of the finest collections of Uzbek and Turkmen textiles and jewelry in Japan. We hope you will enjoy the delicate and magnificent craftsmanship through the embroidery cloths and jewelry passed down through each ethnic group.

・Exhibition Dates

April 11 (Sat) - June 14 (Sun), 2026

・Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Fridays until 8:00 PM) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

・Admission Fees

General ¥1,000 (¥800), University Students ¥800 (¥640),

High School Students/Seniors (60+) ¥500 (¥400), Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥100 (¥80)

* ( ) indicates group rates for 10 or more people and residents of Shibuya Ward.

* Elementary and Junior High School students are free on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

* Residents of Shibuya Ward are free on Fridays.

* Visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person are admitted free of charge.

・Closed Days

Mondays (Open on May 4), April 30 (Thu), May 7 (Thu)

Organized by: Shibuya City Shoto Museum of Art

Special Cooperation: Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum Planning Cooperation: Curators

Venue: Shibuya City Shoto Museum of Art

2-14-14 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0046

Phone: 03-3465-9421 HP: https://shoto-museum.jp

・Access Information

● 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

* Exhibition dates, opening hours, events, etc. may be subject to change or cancellation. Please check the museum's website or social media for the latest information.