By the early twentieth century, the royal and imperial families of Britain and Japan enjoyed a uniquely close relationship. The two nations saw themselves as ‘Island Empires’ of East and West. Exchanging honours and insignia became an important symbol of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance signed in 1902.

Exhibitions of Japanese art indicated a growing interest in Britain’s new ally and over 8 million people visited the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition in London. Among them was Queen Mary, consort of King George V, who was a devoted collector of Japanese art.

In this period, ancient rituals such as calligraphy and incense appreciation were maintained at the Japanese court. At the same time, painters, printmakers and photographers pioneered new styles combining European and Japanese techniques.