mmg.com.au

Shepparton Art Museum’s much-anticipated Golden Age of Colour Prints will be officially opened by the Consul-General of Japan to the pounding beat of four Taiko Japanese drummers on the museum forecourt tonight.

Museum director Kirsten Paisley said it was the first international exhibition the museum has ever staged, and the first to take advantage of 2011’s $1.98million upgrade, which included a vital new climate-control system.

‘‘It’s a really important time for the museum. Something like this would not have been possible without the upgrade,’’ Ms Paisley said.

She said the Golden Age exhibition would give Shepparton people a glimpse into the cultural history of Japan, including Shepparton’s sister city Toyoake.

The exhibition features 96 images by Japanese master printers working during the ‘‘golden age’’ between 1781-1801.

Its subjects include landscapes, stories, warriors, courtesans and theatre stars of the period and the images were widely circulated on the streets of Tokyo among the rising middle classes.

‘‘This is from a time before photography and television and before international trade. It’s a window into a culture that was isolated from the rest of the world. But it’s a very sophisticated culture with cities like Paris and London, theatres and restaurants and cafes,’’ Ms Paisley said.

She said the images have had a powerful effect on western art and Australian artists, such as Charles Conder and Brett Whitely.

City Greater Shepparton Mayor Jenny Houlihan hoped believed the images would have wide appeal.

‘‘These would be appreciated by anyone who loves beautiful pictures made by highly skilled artists,’’ Cr Houlihan said.

Ms Paisley said admission ticket prices of $12 were justified because of the high cost of staging an international exhibition. The prints are on loan from Boston’s Museum of Fine Art in the United States.

‘‘Just to freight the artwork is extremely expensive. The works are also very valuable and require indemnity insurance,’’ Ms Paisley said.

‘‘We’d like to see if the community is interested in seeing international art.’’

Tonight’s official opening will be followed by a five-course Japanese dinner by Taxi Restaurant executive chef Tony Twitchett on the forecourt of Eastbank.

The Golden Age of Colour Prints runs until June 2.

Greater Shepparton residents can see the exhibition free on Tuesdays.