The Decorative Arts Museum is digging into its collection to pay homage to Japanese inspiration in art from 1867 to the present day, with fabrics, engravings, vases, furniture, jewellery, clothing… 1,400 exhibits in all!

The Paris Decorative Arts Museum (now confusingly rebranded as MAD Paris) was one of the first museums to conserve and show Japanese art in France, and their collection is as vast as it is high quality.

It was initially the Expositions universelles (World’s fairs) in Paris that excited people about Japanese culture, particularly the one in 1867, marking Japan’s first participation.

Artists and smart businessmen including Guimet and Cernuschi visited the country, bring back kimonos, ceramic, bronzes, engravings, combs, textiles, even wallpaper.

The exhibition showcases the diverse influences in Japanese art, including nature, time and movement, with a final section showing the innovations the country produced in the late 19th century.

And at the end of your visit you’ll be able to see pieces from familiar names such as Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons et John Galliano.

In all, the exhibition spreads over 2,200m² and three levels!

Linked with the exhibition there are:

– special days (from 16th-18th November) with guides to explain things for you,

– guided visits,

– workshops (including some adults ones that appear very technical and in several parts),

– two free ‘Lézard Evenings’ for 18-25 year-olds (6th December & 10th January),

– and a catalogue of the exhibition is also available (256 pages, 260 illustrations, 49€ here at amazon.fr).

The exhibition Japon-Japonismes – Objets inspirés, 1867-2018 is at the MAD Paris (here) from 15th November 2018 – 3rd March 2019

Open every day except Mondays from 11am-6pm (9pm Thursdays). Last entrance 45 minutes before closing

Closed 25th December & 1st January

Admission: 11€ / 8.50€

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram