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"There are thousands of Chiracs in Japan," said Jean-Jacques
Aillagon, who served as culture minister during Chirac's
presidency, explaining that the late 18th century masks
represent a Japanese theater character that was always carved
with similar features.
The museum, which specializes in early art from Africa, Asia and
the Americas, will be renamed "Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques
Chirac".
The exhibition delves into his long-hidden passion for such
works of art. The 83-year-old Chirac was better known for his
taste for food and beer, and a pundit once said about him: "Men
usually read Playboy hidden behind the cover of a poetry book,
but Chirac reads poetry behind a copy of Playboy."
Saying she also spoke in his name, Chirac's wife Bernadette told
reporters: "France is never greater than when it engages with
other cultures, other people. It's a strong message and one that
is very relevant now."
Chirac, a center-right politician who was a prominent figure in
French politics for decades, was president from 1995 to 2007.
(Reporting by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Dominic Evans)
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