Japan
de
luxe

Japan de luxe – A special jewel of Japanese graphic art is the focus of the exhibitionJapan de luxe - The Art of Surimono Prints. Surimono, literally "printed things", refers to a special genre of Japanese woodblock prints that is still highly valued to this day. They combine witty poetry with pleasurable design to create a sophisticated work of art. Created in the early 17th century, they were published in small editions over the following centuries to give as gifts or to exchange. The most common occasion was the New Year. But store openings, anniversaries, theater performances or even memorial days for the dead also provided opportunities for the creation of surimono.

Japan de luxe highlights the different types of surimono and shows the wealth of pictorial vocabulary, expressions and printing techniques. By looking at these artistic rarities, we also gain an insight into the society, customs and material culture of 19th century Japan.