Spectacular Japan

The first major exploration of of circus arts in Japanese and Western visual culture to open in the Anglosphere

Spectacular Japan: From Misemono to Big Top accompanies an exhibition curated by Dr. Rhiannon Paget, Curator of Asian Art opening at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art (February 20–August 15, 2027). This will be the first comprehensive exploration in the Anglosphere to examine the circus as a theme in both Japanese and Western visual culture.

Spectacular Japan articulates impact of circus on the visual and performing arts in Japan and the West. The book brings together Japanese woodblock prints, kimono, costume, circus posters, and photographs, that visualize Japan’s history of street theatre, side shows, and circus. These works of art are drawn principally from The Ringling’s internationally renowned circus and Asian art collections, with loans from other institutional and private collection. Spectacular Japan comprises 5-7 essays, a catalogue of 6 sections, and a chronology.