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Lot Essay
During the late 1860s, early 1870s, Japan opened to the world and the wave of Japonism struck the artists and collectors of the Western world. Francesc and Josep Masriera showed a strong interest in Japanese arts including prints, Nô masks, kimonos and sculptures. Francesc bought the present Bouddha in the 1870s in Paris at the Antique shop 'Au Mandarin', Avenue de l'Opéra, Paris.The passion of the family for Japan intensified in the early twentieth century by Luis Masriera.
In 1884, Josep and Francesc hired the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas to create an astounding workshop for them on Bailen Street in Barcelona. The Masriera's combined art collections were kept there and it became a major cultural centre, featuring dramatic performances as well as art shows.
Modelled as a Greek temple after the Temple of Augustus (Mount Tabor), it became a cultural centre for the arts in the city.
It opened to the public in 1913 as a museum where the present lot was exhibited in all its majesty. In 1932, it became the Teatre Studium and was later connected to the adjoining buildings. It is now a residence for the nuns of the "Petita Companyia del Cor Eucarístic de Jesús".
In 1884, Josep and Francesc hired the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas to create an astounding workshop for them on Bailen Street in Barcelona. The Masriera's combined art collections were kept there and it became a major cultural centre, featuring dramatic performances as well as art shows.
Modelled as a Greek temple after the Temple of Augustus (Mount Tabor), it became a cultural centre for the arts in the city.
It opened to the public in 1913 as a museum where the present lot was exhibited in all its majesty. In 1932, it became the Teatre Studium and was later connected to the adjoining buildings. It is now a residence for the nuns of the "Petita Companyia del Cor Eucarístic de Jesús".