Exhibition
Learning
from Japan
What do frogs, insects and reptiles have to do with Danish crafts and design?
Explore the symbolic universe that defines Japanese art and learn more about how Japan has long been an important source of inspiration for Danish crafts and design.
Since it was founded, the museum has collected Japanese art as a source of inspiration for Danish arts and crafts. Influence from Japan visibly boosted to Danish handicrafts around 1900, and the fascination continued throughout the 20th century. Today the connection between Japanese and Danish design remains strong.
See a selection of icons from the exhibition
Tray in teak and formica with pieces of porcelain dishes for serving a Japanese meal, Snorre Stephensen, 1984 
Ceramic sake bottle with multicoloured drip glaze, Shigaraki, Japan, 19th century 
The Bow chair, Grete Jalk, 1963 
"Club Manhattan" serving series, Knud Holscher, Belgien, 1985 
”Lake Satta in Surega province”,from 36 views of Mount Fuji in woodblock print, Hiroshige
Ando, Japan, 1858. 
”Gallery” stool, Hans Sandgren Jakobsen 
”Wejra” coffeepot, steel and plastic, Jacob
Jensen, made by Wejra A/S, 1967 
Hikari Lamp, Rasmus Fenhann, 2005
Sculpture and vase in porcelain
with underglaze decoration, Effie Hegermann Lindencrone, Bing & Grøndahl’s Porcelain Factory, the vase is
from 1913, the sculpture is from around 1918 
The idea behind the exhibition
The exhibition curator, art historian Dr. phil. Mirjam Gelfer-Jørgensen, is also the author of the book ”Influences from Japan in Danish Art and Design 1870-2010”. She says about the exibit:
“The meeting with Japanese art supplied Danish art with incentives that have translated into new approaches in several areas of craftsmanship. For Danish art, Japanism has been a catalyst with a far-reaching and long-lasting effect. The flow has been an important prerequisite for the modernism that made Denmark into a design nation in the 20th century.”
Lizards and glaze
The exhibit is wide-ranging and touches on themes like nature motifs in Japanese art, processes and materials, architecture and interior design, fashion and lighting, furniture and tableware, all inspired by the meeting with Japanese art and handicrafts, but now integrated into Danish design.
Visitors can experience the museum’s collection of beautiful Japanese woodcuts from the 18th century, unique graphic works from the book and picture collection as well as ceramics created using special Japanese techniques.
In addition, they can see how nature plays an important role in architecture and interior design. The harmony between Danish and Japanese crafts is based on both country’s lack of their own minerals, metals, and fuel. Since Japan is covered by vast forests, wood has been an important source of design for homes and furniture.
About the exhibition
This exhibit runs for more than 2 years and culminates in 2017 with the celebration of 150 years diplomatic co-operation between Denmark and Japan. The celebration has been arranged in co-operation with the Japanese embassy.
Curating the exhibit is Dr.phil. Mirjam Gelfer-Jørgensen, the author of the book “Influences from Japan in Danish Art and Design 1870-2010”, on which the exhibit is based.
It includes more than 400 works, including some seldom seen or never seen by the public. Some of these works are part of the museum’s large book and picture collection.