"Japonisme Tableware: Japanese Tastes on the Western Table" Exhibition

The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

This event has ended.

At the end of the 19th century, when Japan opened its doors to the world, the Japanese actively participated in international expositions held in Paris and London to introduce its remarkable crafts. Japanese crafts awed the European audience with its abundant colors, sophisticated renderings of nature, unique compositions, and intricate decorations. Very soon, the inspired European audience invented "Japonisme.”
In recent years, the exhibitions that feature Japonisme have constantly referred to impressionist paintings that have been largely influenced by Ukiyo-e. However one cannot ignore the immense contribution Japonisme had towards crafts; Japonisme elements were actively incorporated in tableware and other decorative furniture in the middle class.
By concentrating on the concept of everyday beauty, this exhibition features about 210 Japonisme pieces such as dinner sets, teacups, silverware and cigarette cases from the Mr. and Ms. John Davies collection.
[Image: Atelier Clayeux et Montriam Large Plate "The Lady with a Scarf and Flowers"]