In ancient times, when precious stones such as lapis lazuli and carnelian were admired and desired, craftsmen found ways to imitate such beauty by experimenting with decorative glassware techniques.
This gave birth to glassworking traditions that include using colored glass in mosaics and sandwiching it with precious metals. On show are about 200 artifacts, including 10 treasures borrowed from the British Museum in London; March 9-June 9.
Miho Museum; (0748) 82-3411; 300 Momodani, Tashiro, Shigaraki-cho, Koka, Shiga; Ishiyama Station, JR Biwako Line. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Mon. (except April 29, May 6), April 30, May 7. www.miho.or.jp.
