Chrysanthemums, dragons and samurai: Japanese ceramics from the Ariana Museum.

With nearly 800 pieces, dating from the mid-17th to the early 20th century, the Ariana Museum houses one of the most important Swiss collections of Japanese ceramics. The corpus is distinguished by the omnipresence and abundant diversity of painted decorations. This remarkable collection allows us to follow the fascinating evolution of techniques and styles (blue and white, Imari, Kakiemon, Nabeshima, Satsuma, or Kutani) in the Land of the Rising Sun. The main production centers represented offer a vast panorama of Japanese ceramics. Between foreign influence and tradition, these objects of everyday use or ceremonial use, figurines, and monumental works are designed mainly for the foreign market. From their importation into Europe in the 17th century to the Universal Exhibitions of the 19th century, they have continued to fascinate Westerners. This Geneva public collection had not yet been the subject of a specific study.