The Ottoman Empire enjoyed at a period of sustained prosperity that lasted for several hundred years until the early 20th century. The tulip, known as lâle in Turkish, was venerated as a symbol of the empire. Selectively bred to create some 2,000 diverse types and actively cultivated through the region, the flower was also a popular motif in literature and art. Drawing on artifacts from the Topkapi Palace, including the sultans’ treasures, this exhibition presents works that make use of tulip patterns, providing viewers with a look at the elegant Ottoman court culture. The exhibition also traces the history of friendly relations between Turkey and Japan, which dates back to