July 6, 2006 | Amsterdam , The Netherlands

JGD at Opening of Japanese Exhibit at the Van Gogh Museum J

WONDERS OF IMPERIAL JAPAN
Meiji art from the Khalili collection at the Van Gogh Museum 7 July 2006 - 22 October 2006 A selection of over 200 major items from the famous Khalili collection, the world's largest and most varied private collection of Japanese Meiji art, can be seen at the Van Gogh Museum. The works date from the period of the ‘enlightened rule' of the Japanese emperor Meiji (1868-1912). This is the first such extensive exhibition of Japanese Meiji art from this collection to appear in Europe. David Khalili is one of the largest art collectors in the world, with traveling collections valued at over five billion U.S. dollars. He and his brother Shaheen were very instrumental in bringing together the Mesopotamia Collection for Jacob Gelt Dekker and Museum Kura Hulanda in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Organizer Madelaine Wardenaar, JGD and Flor Margalit. Japanese art experienced a remarkable period of development during Meiji's reign. 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. The superb quality of Japanese craftsmanship had a significant influence on many 19th-century artists, including Vincent van Gogh. Meiji art is founded on traditional forms, decorations and techniques. Perfection and refinement are central to the production of Meiji objects. A remarkable synthesis of convention and innovation led to a revival of porcelain and cloisonné enamel production. Astonishing strides were also made in lacquer and metal work. Japan conquered the world with its vases, lacquer boxes, panels and even entire cupboards, examples of which are displayed in the exhibition. The absolute highlight of the show is a four-meter tall incense burner.

The exhibition is compiled by guest curators Kris Schiermeier and Matthi Forrer (Japanese art curator at the Museum of Ethnography in Leiden). The Japanese season at the Van Gogh Museum is supported by the Japanese Embassy in The Netherlands.