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Japonism: A Rich History of Artistic Inspiration

  • The entrance to the exhibit on Japonism at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.

    The entrance to the exhibit on Japonism at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.

  • Béatrice Quette, curator at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs

    Béatrice Quette, curator at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs

  • Clothing and umbrellas produced when Japonism was at its height, shown alongside a contemporary collection by John Galliano (center).

    Clothing and umbrellas produced when Japonism was at its height, shown alongside a contemporary collection by John Galliano (center).

  • Calligraphy by Machi Shunsō (1922–1995) together with armor by a contemporary French artist.

    Calligraphy by Machi Shunsō (1922–1995) together with armor by a contemporary French artist.

  • Antique Japanese clothing and calligraphy scrolls are mixed with craft items and an eye-catching pair of pink geta (clogs) in the style that would have been worn by a high-ranking courtesan in the pleasure quarters. 

    Antique Japanese clothing and calligraphy scrolls are mixed with craft items and an eye-catching pair of pink geta (clogs) in the style that would have been worn by a high-ranking courtesan in the pleasure quarters. 

  • The poster on the left is for an exhibition of paintings in 1889 by the artist Louis Dumoulin inspired by his travels in Japan. The motif of the crane is an obvious “borrowing” from Japanese motifs such as those seen on the small plates in the front of this display (thought to be the works of Ogata Kenzan, 1663–1743).

    The poster on the left is for an exhibition of paintings in 1889 by the artist Louis Dumoulin inspired by his travels in Japan. The motif of the crane is an obvious “borrowing” from Japanese motifs such as those seen on the small plates in the front of this display (thought to be the works of Ogata Kenzan, 1663–1743).

  • This corner brings together works featuring a chrysanthemum theme.

    This corner brings together works featuring a chrysanthemum theme.

  • Bamboo motifs feature on clothing, ceramics, crafts, and paintings.

    Bamboo motifs feature on clothing, ceramics, crafts, and paintings.

  • The section on movement features nō masks and robes, as well as a nineteenth-century palanquin decorated with foliage work gold-leafed lacquer that once belonged to the Tokugawa family.

    The section on movement features nō masks and robes, as well as a nineteenth-century palanquin decorated with foliage work gold-leafed lacquer that once belonged to the Tokugawa family.

  • This section is inspired by the shows and events that took place in Paris during the Belle Epoque period from the end of the nineteenth century until the outbreak of World War I. On the right is a poster for an appearance by Foottit created by Georges Goursat, known as Sem, one of the most famous cartoonists in France at the time (1863–1934).

    This section is inspired by the shows and events that took place in Paris during the Belle Epoque period from the end of the nineteenth century until the outbreak of World War I. On the right is a poster for an appearance by Foottit created by Georges Goursat, known as Sem, one of the most famous cartoonists in France at the time (1863–1934).

  • Issey Miyake’s Bokugi Linen series

    Issey Miyake’s Bokugi Linen series

  • The Nihon Buyō series (right) uses motifs developed by Tanaka Kōichi (1930–2002) for the Nihon Buyō dance performance at UCLA in 1981.

    The Nihon Buyō series (right) uses motifs developed by Tanaka Kōichi (1930–2002) for the Nihon Buyō dance performance at UCLA in 1981.

  • The chaise longue basculante on the right is a 1940 work by the French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand, who spent more than two years as a member of the mingei folk arts movement in Japan where she became friends with Yanagi Sōri (1915¬-2011) and other Japanese designers.

    The chaise longue basculante on the right is a 1940 work by the French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand, who spent more than two years as a member of the mingei folk arts movement in Japan where she became friends with Yanagi Sōri (1915¬-2011) and other Japanese designers.

  • Japonism: A Rich History of Artistic Inspiration

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