Okinoshima: the Shōsōin of the Sea

About the Series

Every Third Thursday of the month, the Sainsbury Institute hosts a lecture on a topic related to the art and culture of Japan. Talks begin at 6pm (50-minute lecture followed by refreshments). Speakers are all specialists in their field and the talks are intended to be accessible to those with no prior knowledge of Japanese history. Admission is free and all are welcome. Booking essential. To book a seat email us at sisjac@sainsbury-institute.org or fax 01603 625011 up to two days before the lecture stating your name, number of seats required and a contact number. Unless indicated otherwise the lectures are held at the Norwich Cathedral Hostry (Weston Room), Norwich NR1 4EH. The Third Thursday Lecture series is funded by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Charitable Trust.

About the Lecture

Okinoshima, a tiny sacred island between Japan and Korea, isolated, surrounded by ritual and taboo, home to three goddesses who protected the embassies sent from the ancient Japanese court to China. The wondrously preserved treasures offered to these deities on the island are likened to those in the Shosoin, the imperial treasury in Nara, the final terminus of the Silk Road.

About the Speaker

Simon Kaner is an archaeologist specialising in the prehistory of Japan. His research interests include: Japanese prehistory and the history of archaeology in Japan; Japanese cultural heritage and the international role of Japanese heritage management. He is directing the Shinano River Project, investigating the development of the historic landscapes of the Shinano and Chikuma River drainage in central Japan.

Future Lectures

15 March 2012
Visions of Paradise: the Japanese Garden in the UK
Graham Hardman
Honorary Vice President, Japanese Garden Society

19 April 2012
The Origins of Flower Arranging in Japan
Michel Maucuer
Chief Conservator, Musee Cernuschi