Vidro, Vetro, Biidoro: European Technology, Art and Customs in Edo Japan

Tiziana Iannello

PhD, Independent Researcher in East Asian studies, Italy

Museum memorabilia and relics preserved in private collections remind us that they are not merely “things” or items, but above all symbols, values, and ideas connected to the cultural context of their creators and final users. In particular, there are some objects that contributed to a worldwide exchange of knowledge, practices and fashion. Among them, for example, glass items introduced by Portuguese merchants in Japan since the modern age facilitated a close encounter with Western art, science and technology.

This paper on the European glass in Edo period Japan focuses on the rediscovery of glass since the sixteenth century and beyond. The exports of glass by European merchants to East Asia supported Japanese advancement in science and technology, producing effects that extended to everyday life, and helped to develop acquaintance with Western culture, art and techniques. Through literary works, scientific books, artistic objects, images, and art paintings, this research enlightens how the diffusion of glass made possible the rediscovery of a precious and multi-purpose material that stimulated the dialogue among cultures up to the present day.