Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Acquires Premier Collection of Modern Japanese Lacquer Art
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has significantly enhanced its Asian art holdings with the acquisition of a prominent collection of modern Japanese lacquer, comprising 90 exquisite objects. This substantial gift comes from long-time collectors Jan Dees and René van der Star, renowned for their dedication to Japanese art. Visitors to the museum can experience a special presentation of select items from this new collection, alongside kimonos previously donated by the same collectors, in the Asian Pavilion from October 16, 2024, to April 13, 2025.
A Unique Insight into Japanese Lacquer Art
Jan Dees and René van der Star’s collecting journey began in the early 1970s, sparked by an inro (a traditional Japanese case) featuring a raven. Their collection uniquely focuses on Japanese lacquerware created between 1890 and 1950, a period marked by significant innovation and the emergence of fresh artistic expressions in the craft. This era saw lacquer art gain recognition as a modern art form, exemplified by objects like a 1927 tea caddy adorned with carnations, which was among the first lacquer pieces admitted to national art exhibitions. The collectors' extensive research and passion culminated in the Modern Japanese Lacquer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum and the Museum für Lackkunst in Münster in 2022.
Expanding Modern Japanese Art at the Museum
Beyond lacquer, Jan Dees and René van der Star have also contributed to the Rijksmuseum's collection of Japanese textiles. In 2009 and 2011, they donated 150 kimonos that similarly illustrate the transition to Japanese modernity. These garments reflect the cultural shifts of the time, from new weaving techniques and vibrant designs to motifs depicting zeppelins, gramophones, and wartime imagery.
This latest acquisition further solidifies the Rijksmuseum's reputation as a leading institution for Japanese art. With nearly 10,000 works, including celebrated pieces like the 14th-century temple guardians and Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the museum's collection continues to offer a comprehensive look at Japan's rich artistic heritage.
For those planning to visit, this new collection offers a compelling reason to explore the Rijksmuseum. Discover more about cultural experiences in the city on Musemap (musemap.art) or consider browsing other fascinating museums in Amsterdam. You can also explore current exhibitions happening across the city.
