Mitsubishi Corp. sponsors the exhibition, The Power of Dogu, at the British Museum

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is sponsoring a new exhibition, The Power of Dogu: Ceramic figures from ancient Japan, at the British Museum. The exhibition has been co-organised with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan, and the Tokyo National Museum, and marks the first ever opportunity for these remarkable and captivating artefacts to be brought together outside Japan. It is running from 10th September to 22nd November, 2009.

Dogu is the Japanese term for clay figurines produced during the Jomon period (approximately 12,500-300 BC). The figurines have distinct human or animal features and have been excavated from numerous sites across the Japanese archipelago. The exhibition features sixty-seven Dogu, including three that have been designated National Treasures of Japan, including Dogu with palms pressed together from Aomori prefecture, assigned this special status by the Japanese government in 2009. Many of the remaining figurines that will be on display are ranked as Important Cultural Properties and Important Art Objects, and this is the first time that such a wide range of Dogu have been brought together in a single exhibition. Culture MC says its commitment to social responsibility is embodied in its corporate philosophy and demonstrated through its extensive programme of cultural, environmental and educational projects worldwide. As part of this global commitment, Mitsubishi Corporation announced a ten year partnership with the British Museum     in 2008 to sponsor the permanent galleries dedicated to Japanese culture in the Museum. The Dogu exhibition is an additional sponsorship for 2009, and is also part of a series of Japan-UK 150 events, to celebrate 150 years of friendship between the two countries. Additional support for the exhibition has been given by the Arts and Humanities Research Council of the UK, the Japan Foundation and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. Transportation support has been provided by Japan Airlines (JAL).   44 (left). Dogu with palms pressed together. Kazahari I, Aomori prefecture. 1500-1000BC. Hachinohe City. Photo credit: © Ogawa Tadahiro 27 (right). Tanabatake ‘Venus’. Tanabatake, Nagano prefecture. 2500-1500BC. Chino City Board of Education.