The Orchid Catalog: The National Library of Public Information's Crown Jewel, Blooming in Tokyo and Taipei as an Artistic Treasure

The "Orchid Catalog" (蘭譜) is the crown jewel of the National Library of Public Information (NLPI). More than just an exquisite collection of orchid illustrations, its delicate brushwork and vibrant colors have made it a timeless classic. This masterpiece is now featured in the "A Hundred Forms of Taiwan Orchids" exhibition, organized by the University Museum, the University of Tokyo (UMUT) and the National Museum of History (NMH), with a special loan of the Orchid Catalog from the NLPI. The exhibition brings its artistic charm to Tokyo and Taipei, allowing a wider audience to appreciate this treasure.

On February 14, Director-General Ma Hsiang-Ping of the NLPI attended the VIP preview and catalog launch of the international collaborative exhibition "A Hundred Forms of Taiwan Orchids" at UMUT and NMH in Tokyo. During the event, Director-General Ma presented one commemorative print from the Orchid Catalog to both UMUT and NMH, symbolizing the exchange between the two institutions in the fields of art and academia.
In addition to showcasing high-resolution digital images of the Orchid Catalog at the exhibition, a special catalog has been published, featuring rich imagery and academic research. The catalog invites visitors to explore the exquisite beauty and mysteries of orchids. To commemorate this event, the NLPI has set up a small display case on the 3rd floor of its main library's periodicals section to showcase the catalog.

Exhibition Information:
The Tokyo exhibition runs from Saturday, February 15, 2025, to Sunday, August 6, 2025, at the INTERMEDIATHEQUE, located on the 2nd floor of the JP TOWER in KITTE Marunouchi, next to the south exit of Tokyo Station. Admission is free.
The Taipei exhibition is scheduled for the second half of 2025 at the National Museum of History, where the original Orchid Catalog will be displayed, offering an unparalleled artistic experience. We sincerely welcome you to visit and explore the exhibition and catalog.

Reference Information:
Chinese Version
Radio Taiwan International report
The Central News Agency(CNA) report
Japanese Version
The Central News Agency(CNA) report