Project « The popularity and accessibility of Asian Art in Europe (1850-1950) »

Belgians encountered Asian art at the turn of the 20th century at universal exhibitions, through pieces sent over by foreign national committees. The items sent to these incredible events were selected by the political powers to establish their country’s image on the international scene.

Alongside this, the presence of many Asian objects in the interiors of aristocratic and bourgeois homes also helped to forge a certain notion of Asia. Trade in Asian antiquities developed Europe-wide, with many Brussels and Paris antique dealers having clients in several European cities.

Researchers have focused their work on museum collections and paid less attention to how Asian art grew in popularity. This project is investigating whether the appeal of China and Japan was part of a late Japonisme movement and also to what extent associations and exhibitions, individuals, collectors and dealers influenced the appearance of Asian Art in homes in Europe.

Axes de recherche :

Non-European Art

Référent :

Lyce Jankowski

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