ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad on Thursday inaugurated the exhibition of Japanese ceramics “Yakishime – Earth Metamorphosis” at the State Bank Museum.
He was accompanied by SBP Deputy Governor Mr. Saleem Ullah and top management of the bank.
This two-week Japan Foundation exhibition is organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi to promote cultural exchange between Japan and Pakistan. This year the exhibition is jointly organized with State Bank Museum and Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Sindh.
Addressing the event, the SBP Governor emphasized that Japanese culture in general and Japanese ceramic culture in particular have always been a topic of public interest in Pakistan. He explained that cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts are essential to promote understanding and goodwill between nations.
The Cultural Agreement signed in 1957 between Pakistan and Japan was the foundation of bilateral relations and laid the foundation for the expansion and deepening of cultural relations between the two countries, he said.
Acknowledging the historical cooperation between the financial institutions of the two countries, Ahmad said that the third overseas branch of the Bank of Tokyo was opened in Karachi in 1953. He opined that cooperation between the two countries can facilitate and strengthen trade and investment besides helping to exchange information, best practices and regulatory frameworks in financial systems.
HATTORI Masaru, Consul General of Japan, was delighted to see the Pakistani audience’s interest in Japanese culture. He reiterated that the consulate will strive to introduce and curate Japanese cultural exchange programs to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
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The exhibition, which runs until February 7, 2024, showcases the yakishime ceramic technique, which fires unglazed wares at high temperatures. Showcasing more than 80 pieces of yakishime from the earliest examples to contemporary creations, this exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for the people of Pakistan to experience the sensibility and aesthetics unique to Japan.
Along with the ceramics exhibition, lectures and workshops related to Japan with calligraphy, indigo dye, ceramics and origami will be organized at the State Bank Museum. The annual Japanese Calendar exhibition will also be held at the same location from January 26 to February 7.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats, bankers, art lovers and important representatives of the city. The exhibition is open to the public with free admission from January 25 to February 7, 2024. More information about the exhibition and other activities is available on the consulate’s website and Facebook page.
