The ministry allowed the export of the Slavic Epic only to Japan

Prague/Moravský Krumlov - Mucha's Slav Epic will be displayed only in Japan. In China, where it was supposed to go afterward, the necessary standards were not met, according to Minister of Culture Daniel Herman. The Ministry of Culture issued an export permit for the epic to Japan this week, spokeswoman Simona Cigánková told ČTK. The cycle of works, which is a national cultural monument, is expected to leave the Czech Republic in February. The exhibition in Tokyo will begin in March.

Critical voices are being raised against the Asian tour. They fear damage to the works. A petition against the export of the work was created, which was also signed by the mayor of Moravský Krumlov, where the epic was exhibited for a long time.

Japan has declared 2017 the Year of Czech Culture in Japan in connection with the 60th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Czech Republic, spokeperson for Czech Centers Petra Jungwirthová said today to ČTK. The Czech Center Tokyo will celebrate ten years since its founding on December 12, 2016.

According to Cigánková, the ministry assessed that there are "suitable conditions guaranteed for the epic" in the case of the trip to Japan. "No decision was made regarding the export to other countries," she stated.

Minister Herman said during parliamentary interpellations that in the case of the request from the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague for the loan of the work to China, the ministry evaluated this export as risky and requested the removal of risks. He cited inadequate security measures for the paintings during relatively long breaks between exhibitions as an example. The gallery then revised its request and only asked for permission for temporary export to Japan. "And the export to Japan was assessed as unproblematic," Herman said.

Large-scale paintings depicting Slavic history will be on display at the Veletržní Palace in Prague until the end of the year. After that, preparations for transport will begin. The minister stated that no discussions were held about the export to another Asian country. Critics who signed the petition, as well as Mucha's relative John Mucha, expressed concerns about the transport of the works. They claim that placing them in transport tubes and repeated disconnections could irreparably damage them. Prague denies this. According to the National Gallery, they are in excellent condition and are ready for transport.

Herman told lawmakers that the paintings were inspected in November this year by painter and restorer Michal Tomek, who stated that they are in very good technical condition. He claimed that all expert care is guaranteed in Japan, and there is sufficient experience with local partners, so he has no concerns.

The Year of Czech Culture in Japan is designed as a showcase of Czech visual arts, films, and music, culminating in the exhibition of the Slav Epic, which will take place from March 8 to June 5, 2017, in Tokyo. "The Year of Czech Culture was established to take advantage of this significant event and to highlight a number of Czech cultural enterprises that will take place throughout 2017, supplemented by various exhibitions, concerts, and screenings," said Marcel Sauer from the Czech Embassy in Japan.

With significant media attention, the work moved to Prague from Moravský Krumlov in 2012, where it had been exhibited at the castle for decades. According to the painter's legacy, the canvases belong to Prague, but the author's wish was for the city to build a separate exhibition pavilion for the epic. This has not yet happened, and according to Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO), Prague is addressing the permanent placement. Temporarily, the work could also be returned to Moravia, according to her.

The export of the work is criticized by the mayor of Moravský Krumlov, Tomáš Třetina. He stated that Prague is not addressing the placement of the Slav Epic. "If they want to delay the resolution by sending it abroad for three years, it is very ridiculous and shows disrespect for Czech cultural monuments," Třetina said.