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Kris Shiermeier and Matthi Forrer
Wonders of Imperial Japan: Meiji art from the Khalili Collection
presented a selection of over 200 major items from the famous Khalili
collection, the world's largest and most comprehensive private collection
of Japanese Meiji art, complemented by paintings by Van Gogh.
This exhibition took place at the Van Gogh Museum from 6 July to
22 October 2006 in the exhibition wing designed by Japanese architect
Kisho Kurokawa and was opened by H.E. the Ambassador of Japan Mr.
K. Komachi.
The works date from the period of the 'enlightened rule' of the
Japanese emperor Meiji (1868-1912) and this is the first such extensive
exhibition of Japanese Meiji art from this collection to appear
in Europe.
Japanese art experienced a remarkable period of development during
the Meiji period. The social changes which had affected Japan since
it opened its doors to the West in 1854 had led to the decline of
the traditional market; at the same time, an export market had emerged
for Japan. Meiji art is founded on traditional forms, decorations
and techniques, and perfection and refinement are central to the
production of objects of this period.
A remarkable synthesis of convention and innovation led to a revival
of porcelain and cloisonné enamel production. Remarkable
strides were also made in lacquer and metal work. At the international
expositions in Europe and America, Japan astonished the West with
its vases, lacquer boxes, panels and even entire cupboards, examples
of which are displayed in the exhibition. The Amsterdam International
Exposition took place in 1883.
Vincent van Gogh was a great admirer of Japanese art and began his
collection of prints from Japan, now preserved in the Van Gogh Museum,
while in Paris. 'You cannot study Japanese art, it seems to me,
without becoming much gayer and happier', wrote Van Gogh. In his
letters to his brother Theo he discusses his appreciation of Japanese
art on several occasions. Writing from Arles on 15 July 1888, he
said: 'In a way most of my work is founded on Japanese art.'
The exhibition used as its theme the four seasons, Demons, Gods,
History and Myth, and Land, Water and Everyday Life and shows how
Van Gogh used typically Japanese subjects - blossom, flowers (in
particular irises) and birds - in his paintings.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
The exhibition was compiled by guest curators Kris Schiermeier
(Japanese art historian) and Matthi Forrer (Japanese art curator
at the Museum of Ethnography in Leiden), who were also authors of
the catalogue.
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