Most people associate Impressionism with the famous colorful impasto paintings of Renoir, Monet or Manet. Few, however, are familiar with its influence on 19th-century ceramics.
In 1882, Charles Haviland, an avid collector of Japanese works, asked Félix Bracquemond, an etcher who was strongly influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e prints, to art-direct the Haviland Limoges porcelain company. As a pioneer of Impressionist decorative ware, Bracquemond introduced modern designs and experimental glazing techniques to Haviland, helping it become one of the most popular porcelain studios in France.
For this exhibition, selected works from the Haviland private collection, which includes some early Japonisme pieces by Bracquemond, take center stage in a showcase of 19th-century tableware and ceramics; April 4-June 22.
Shiodome Museum; Panasonic Tokyo Shiodome Bldg. 4F, 1-5-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Shiodome Stn. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. ¥800. Closed Wed. 03-5777-8600; www.panasonic.co.jp/es/museum
