Encounters: The Meeting Of Asia And Europe 1500-1800
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2012/01/03/09/gauginwomenL170904_100x110.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=1024)
Gaugin's work is just some of that on show
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When the first Europeans arrived in Asia, they were intoxicated by its glamour, and their early impressions have had a lasting impact on how we in the West continue to view the East.
Once a trade route was established, ships returned to Europe laden with spices, luxury goods and trinkets twinkly enough to make even Aladdin go weak at the knees: Mughal miniatures, Chinese-embroidered silks and Japanese lacquer.
All are on show here, illuminated by an exploration of the more lasting things that were traded besides currency - ideas, tastes and so on.
Look - or listen --out for Tippoo's Tiger, a near-life-sized automaton with a lusty roar.
Thur 23 Sep-Sun 5 Dec, Victoria And Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 (020-7942 2000).