I’m not one to believe in coincidences. But on occasions like this, I reconsider my opinion.
I don’t remember what I was looking for or where I was going. I only remember that I wanted to take some photographs of the current Art Biennial. When suddenly, a woman with Asian features said to me: “Hey, why don’t you go in?”
(The funny thing is that she said it in English; I must have looked like a foreigner to her.)
I quickly told her I was Cuban, and she seemed very embarrassed. But I assured her it was fine and asked her to tell me what was happening in that building that didn’t even have a sign.
From the door, I could see some beautiful Asian vases and some posters featuring the Silk Road and a map of Asia.
I never imagined that this building without a sign or indication was the headquarters of the House of Asia in Cuba.
Since the Castros took power, they turned to the socialist models of China and Vietnam as a means of survival against the United States. The truth is that Asia had been present in Cuban culture for many years.
Here you can read about the Chinatown in Havana.
However, in the 19th century, the Chinese were already fighting for Cuba's independence.
In other words, there’s a lot of history. Even so, many people know little about Asian culture.
That’s where this project was born. Delegations from the continent came together to promote their culture on the island. It is the first house that brings together an entire continent.
Why November?
November is celebrated as Asia Month...
As soon as you cross the door, it feels like traveling to the Far East. Although the house is colonial in style, it has a very Asian touch. A testament to this is the Japanese garden that welcomes you and occupies a large part of what used to be the patio.
Before moving on to see the different rooms, that day, being the inauguration, they offered a snack, a truffle, and some oriental tea. A nice treat that helped me continue discovering the house.
That day, the representatives from the Japanese embassy were there, paying attention to every detail of what was happening. The service couldn’t have been better.
The House of Asia has all the ingredients to become the most important promoter of Asian culture in Cuba.
On the ground floor, there are three different rooms.
A visitable storage area. Here, dozens of works donated by Asian embassies to Cuba are kept. Of course, there are plenty of dragons and painted ceramics, especially from the 19th and 20th centuries. I spent a large part of my visit here.
The details of the works there are spectacular. I can’t imagine the accumulated value inside that storage area.
The library. It was clear that the house wasn’t ready for its opening yet. Although the central table was filled with books from Vietnam and Japan, the shelves had a lot of empty space.
The structure of the ceiling surprised me. When you sit underneath, you can read some poems and proverbs from writers. It’s a modern and very original library.
The language room. It’s located at the end of the ground floor. According to what they said that day, classes in Japanese and Mandarin would be offered. Although it looks very modern and futuristic to us, the truth is that it resembles a control room from the Soviet era. Still, it’s a very important project that I might participate in (as a student).
After climbing some impressive stairs, more Asian treasures are hidden on the second floor.
Three more rooms fill this floor.
A weapons room. It’s the smallest room but one of my favorites. All the weapons have different shapes, but what caught my attention was where they were kept (if you know the name, please let me know in the comments).
Like the one you see in the photo, they were "cases" made of different metals, all with Asian motifs. Metal turned into art.
In this room, the focus is on teaching how Asia was a cornerstone in the ancient world and a great ally of European empires.
Continuing the Visit
We encountered a traditional outfit of Asian generals or, as we were told, from the Japanese royal guard (it looks like it’s straight out of Shogun). It’s in perfect condition, and at first glance, it seems like someone is sitting there meditating.
Another room is the furniture room (it’s not finished yet). The pieces on display are truly incredible.
According to the guides, there is a trunk depicts a battle between the Japanese and Portuguese forces. But take another look; see how the facial expressions and the horses are recreated—such beauty.
This room also exhibits a set of chairs that emulate the revered dragons. I look forward to your comments on this beauty.
And so we reached the end of the tour. Without a doubt, next year we will return to visit the House of Asia to see what new works they have added. So if you want to know, you know what to do.
Now it’s your turn. Is there something similar in your city? Not just the typical Chinese shops.
What do you think about Asian culture? I find it very fascinating, and I love that it continues to expand around the world after centuries. Share your opinion down below.
Read you soon!
[dahpilot]
All images are mine.
There are many others that didn’t make it, so a second part is on the way.
