Time Travel: George Vanderbilt’s Visit to Japan Posted on September 15, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Judy Ross Time travel with us to explore George Vanderbilt’s visit to Japan that began on September 1, 1892. George Vanderbilt’s visit to Japan Just as visitors do today, Vanderbilt and his cousin, Clarence Barker, toured countless temples and other cultural sites during their visit to Japan. But they apparently worked in some shopping as well, as Biltmore’s archives indicate. Ni-o guardians, carved wood. Edo period (1603-1868). Like most of us, George Vanderbilt purchased souvenirs to remind him of the fascinating places he visited. Unlike us, however, he had a 250-room home under construction with plenty of space for accessories! Perceptions of other places Nagasaki, Takabato Island. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892. Today, it’s hard to imagine how “foreign” Japan seemed to Americans at the end of the 1800s. The country had been closed to most Westerners for 200 years, only opening somewhat to trade beginning in the 1850s. In Vanderbilt’s time, Japan was viewed as a place untouched by the west’s industrialization and modernization. Popular literature of the time evoked a far-off land where feudal traditions persisted and its people lived a simpler life. Carved netsuke, originally used as toggles on kimonos To many Americans, Japan and its culture was exotic and rooted in tradition, offering a blend of spirituality and aesthetic beauty. To George Vanderbilt, deeply interested in history, the arts, and collecting, the allure must have been irresistible. A far-east adventure Invitation to Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration, 1892 The trip itself was an adventure. Vanderbilt and Barker—one of his favorite traveling companions—had just returned from Spain when an invitation arrived to attend the Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration. Soon after, they packed their trunks and, on September 1, 1892, embarked on the first leg of a 10-week itinerary. First, they accompanied Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt to Chicago to see his preliminary work on the World’s Columbian Exposition. Clarence Barker, George Vanderbilt’s cousin and frequent travel companion, ca. 1890 From there, the pair continued westward, stopping in Yellowstone National Park at the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel. Upon reaching San Francisco, they boarded ship for the week-long journey to Yokohama to begin their exploration of Japanese culture and customs—and evidently, quite a bit of shopping! Shopping for souvenirs Ceremonial samurai swords with decorative display stand Antiques shops and art dealers were obviously part of the itinerary, as Vanderbilt eventually shipped 32 cases of art and decorative objects back to America. Among his purchases were: Satsuma ceramics, including a koro or ceremonial incense burner, for $85—a significant sum 122 years agoTwo suits of samurai armor along with spears and swordsNetsuke—miniature sculptures originally used as kimono togglesBronze sculpturesLacquer boxes and sculpturesVaried screens and fansBamboo curtains1,000 festive paper lanterns Time travel today at Biltmore Aerial view of Biltmore House and the Italian Garden We hope you’ll consider Biltmore in your current and future plans. It’s an excellent place to “time travel” into our storied past! If you’d prefer to visit without leaving the comfort of home, be sure to enjoy virtual tours of the estate, or indulge in a bit of shopping in our online store. Featured image: Pagoda at Horinja-Nana. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892
A Sneak Peek at “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad” Posted on February 13, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from 2018 Premiering March 15 at The Biltmore Legacy, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad details George Vanderbilt’s youth and boyhood travels, his courtship and marriage to Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, and the birth of their daughter, Cornelia Vanderbilt. In addition to family life, stories about their travels and lives on the estate are chronicled, and a variety of rare objects and personal photos from the Biltmore House collection are showcased. In honor of this upcoming exhibit, here’s a sneak peek at some of the items that will be on display: 1. Louis Vuitton travel trunk Edith Vanderbilt’s elegant Louis Vuitton travel trunk, ca. 1900, has her initials E.S.V. engraved on the top. This fashionable piece served as her luggage for many of the Vanderbilt’s frequent trips to Europe. 2. Edith Vanderbilt’s Personal Cameras Edith was an avid photographer who chronicled the lives of her family while living at Biltmore and traveling the world. Two of her personal cameras will be on display: her No. 4 Panoram Kodak camera Model B, ca. 1900-1903 (pictured); and her No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak camera Model G, ca. 1912. 3. Samurai Armor This suit of Samurai warrior armor dates to Japan’s Edo period (1615-1868). Made of iron, lacquer, leather, textiles, and silk, the armor caught the eye of George Vanderbilt during his travels in the Far East. 4. Japanese Daggers Also souvenirs from George Vanderbilt’s travels in the Far East, these ornate daggers were prized by Western collectors and are exquisite examples of traditional lacquer and metalwork. They are made of steel, lacquer, gold, bronze, and silk from the Meiji period (1868-1912). 5. Cartier Hat Pin In addition to the antique books, tableware, and decorative objects that Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil and Honorable John F. A. Cecil received for their 1924 wedding, they also received jewelry, including this Cartier hat pin, made of carved jadeite, sapphire, diamond, and platinum. Join us for The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad—included in your estate admission—to view these items and other exceptional pieces while learning more about the fascinating family that called Biltmore “home.”
Planning a Christmas at Biltmore getaway for your family Posted on November 7, 2016 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico It’s no secret that Christmas at Biltmore is one of the Southeast’s most storied holiday destinations. Families come from far and wide to experience seasonal festivities on the estate, inspired by century-long traditions. But how exactly does one plan a getaway that will fill every member of the family—from the grandparents to the youngest child—with Christmas joy, without losing that personal sense of Yuletide peace? We’ve got a few suggestions! Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration Visit MorningThe entire family can enjoy a hearty breakfast at Village Social in Antler Hill Village for the perfect start to a day of exploration. Then head over to Biltmore House & Gardens for a Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration self-guided visit and be dazzled by America’s Largest Home® decorated for the holiday season. Decor including lush floral displays and topiaries top the Breakfast Room table during Christmas at Biltmore. Worried that the youngest may be too antsy during the two-hour stroll? Bring Cedric’s Sniff-and-Seek Treasure Hunt to keep them occupied or make a game of our Christmas décor: count the Christmas trees, find the largest and the smallest among them, or the first family member to spot a kissing ball wins! Afterwards, everyone can enjoy the Rooftop Tour, though youngsters may need to be carried as no strollers are allowed. But have no fear—it is surely worth it! As the leaves have dropped, this tour offers unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountain vistas that made George Vanderbilt fall in love with the area. AfternoonAfter the visit to Biltmore House, Mom and Grandma can enjoy a light lunch at The Bake Shop before heading to our century-old gardens to enjoy seasonal shopping at A Gardener’s Place. Afterwards, the ladies can treat themselves to a peaceful stroll through the glass-roofed Conservatory, filled with seasonal poinsettias along with thousands of exotic plants that bring a touch of the tropics to Appalachia. A tree-shaped tower of poinsettias in Biltmore’s Conservatory. All the while, Dad and Grandpa can head down to Antler Hill Village with the kids, where they can experience the timeless tradition of visiting with Santa. There’s plenty to do in the area to keep them busy—from the kids getting their energy out at Pisgah Playground or learning about friendly animals at the Farmyard to handicrafts and craft demonstrations at the Barn that will fascinate grown men and children alike. Visit Santa in Antler Hill Village on weekends before Christmas! Evening Mom and Dad can enjoy a romantic evening in Antler Hill Village with an intimate stroll through the Winery portal–lined with thousands of beautiful lights–followed by a quiet dinner for two at Bistro. While Mom and Dad get a kid-free evening, Grandma and Grandpa get a special evening with the grandkids: dinner at the more casual Stable Café and a visit to Toymaker’s shop where the kids can pick out their own old-fashioned toy or game. Toymaker’s in the Stable Shops next to Biltmore House offers fun options for all ages. Candlelight Christmas Evenings visit MorningYou’ve got an exciting day ahead of you–let everyone choose their favorite easy breakfast options at The Kitchen Café in Village Hotel before you jump into your plans. AfternoonHave the ladies and gents go their separate ways for the afternoon. Grandma, Mom, and the girls can treat themselves to special seasonal offerings at The Spa at The Inn. After the pampering, enjoy a light lunch with a breathtaking view of the estate at the Library Lounge at The Inn. Grandpa, Dad, and the boys can spend this time exploring our 8,000-acre backyard. Get any gear needed for the day’s adventure at Antler Hill Outfitters, then grab a quick bite at Smokehouse Food Truck in Village Hotel before heading to the Outdoor Adventure Center. Choose to spend the day learning the techniques of shooting clay targets with a high-quality shotguns in a Sporting Clays Lesson or enjoy hiking and biking around the estate’s beautiful trails. Candlelight Christmas Evenings offers the opportunity to experience Biltmore House aglow with holiday spirit. EveningRegroup with the entire family in the evening for a delicious dinner of pub and robustly-flavored American and global cuisine at Cedric’s® Tavern. Named after the Vanderbilts’ beloved Saint Bernard, the restaurant has a statue of the dog with young Cornelia Vanderbilt near its entrance—a photo op everyone will love. Then head over to Biltmore House for a Candlelight Christmas Evenings self-guided visit, where firelight, candlelight, and thousands of miniature lights reflect countless ornaments adorning Christmas trees, mantels, wreaths, and garlands in America’s largest home. If the kids get restless or stir-crazy, the Winter Garden offers mesmerizing choir performances featuring traditional carols. Enjoy the illumination of Antler Hill Village during Christmas at Biltmore. Travelling with the entire family can be tricky—especially during the holiday season—but it doesn’t have to be. With such a vast array of happenings and activities, Christmas at Biltmore is a family getaway that truly offers something for everyone. Join us for an experience that everyone is sure to remember for many Christmases to come.