New Publications on Asian Collections in Spain

In 2016, the Spanish Association of Museologists (AEM) has devoted the initial two issues of its RdM journal (Revista de Museología) to a presentation and analysis of Asian collections in Spain. These publications result from the perceived interest in Asian collections and have involved members of the Research Group on Asia (GIA) set up in 1994 by researchers at the Faculty of Geography and History of the Complutense University in Madrid. Other contributors include members of the Research Group on Japan-Spain: Relations through the Arts (JERAA) established at the University of Zaragoza. The first of the two issues includes articles addressing Indian and East Asian collections, Namban lacquer, Japanese sabres, Ukiyo-e, Chinese porcelain, the market of Asian art in Spain and the current interest in Asian contemporary art. Authors include Matilde Rosa Arias, Yayoi Kawamura, Ramón Vega Piniella, Mª Jesús Fierro Payero, Marcos A. Sala Ivars, Cinta Krahe Noblett, Ana Trujillo and Menene Gras Balaguer. The most recent issue of RdM, #66, focuses on the new Museum of World Cultures in Barcelona, Japanese calligraphy, early museums and collections of Asian art in Spain, Urushi-e, contemporary Korean art and presents an inventory of public and private Asian collections in Spain. Authors include Muriel Gómez Pradas, Aitana Merino Estebaranz, Pilar Cabañas Moreno, Delia Sagaste Abadía, Elena Barlés Báguena, David Almazán Tomás, Julio César Abad, Carmen Gallego and Cinta Krahe Noblett. On the occasion of the publication of these issues, a seminar involving several of the featured authors was hosted by Casa Asia in Madrid in March 2016. The event and the publications are meant to raise awareness of public and private institutions about the importance of giving visibility and looking after Asian heritage in Spain. Revista de Museología is only published in Spanish. Issues can be purchased online via AEM's website at http://www.museologia.net/Revista/comprar.asp