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THE FASCINATION OF LACQUER ARTWORK FROM ASIA AND EUROPE
APRIL 4 – JULY 27, 2025
LWL-MUSEUM FÜR KUNST UND KULTUR | MÜNSTER, GERMANY
Inro, Hunting falcon, Japan, first half of the 19th century LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur, Münster, Photo: Tomasz Samek
Captivated by the beauty and mystery of Asian lacquerware, from the late 16th century onwards, Europeans developed a deep fascination with this art form. The LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur explores this cultural encounter in its first exhibition following the 2023 acquisition of the Museum für Lackkunst’s collection in Münster. At the heart of the show are exquisite lacquer objects produced in China, Korea, and Japan specifically for the European market—bridging East and West in both craftsmanship and imagination.
The exhibition begins with the origins of lacquer production and techniques, featuring early Chinese works, Korean lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and Japanese gold-sprinkled black lacquer. It then highlights the booming trade of lacquer exports and how Europeans, inspired by these foreign treasures, began to imitate them.
Early European lacquer pieces are accompanied by historical recipe books and 18th–19th century examples. The journey ends with contemporary lacquer artworks from both Asia and Europe, reflecting the medium’s continued global dialogue.
