Exhibition - Japonism and Art Nouveau - Bicentenary of the Val Saint Lambert glassworks (1826-2026) at the Grand Curtius Museum
Discover how Japan inspired the masters of crystal craftsmanship
Presented at the Grand Curtius in Liège until 27 September as part of the bicentenary celebrations of Val Saint-Lambert, the “Japonism and Art Nouveau” exhibition unveils one of the most creative periods in the history of the Cristalleries du Val Saint-Lambert, the renowned Belgian crystal works.
Through nearly 150 works created between 1880 and 1914, the exhibition highlights the influence of Japanese art on the creations of Val Saint-Lambert, as well as the rise of the Art Nouveau movement during the Belle Époque, a period of prosperity and artistic flourishing that marked the final decades of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century.
Paintings, posters and pieces of furniture bear witness to the remarkable craftsmanship of the artists and artisans who contributed to the international reputation of the crystal works. Alongside the collections of the Grand Curtius—some of whose pieces are being displayed for the first time—the exhibition features works from private collections as well as numerous objects from this period preserved by the museums of the City of Liège. Particular attention is also given to Léon Ledru, a key figure in Val Saint-Lambert’s Design Department and a passionate admirer of Oriental art.
A true journey at the crossroads of European and Japanese influences, this exhibition offers groups a fascinating immersion into the world of crystal, artistic innovation and the decorative arts.
Presented at the Grand Curtius in Liège until 27 September as part of the bicentenary celebrations of Val Saint-Lambert, the “Japonism and Art Nouveau” exhibition unveils one of the most creative periods in the history of the Cristalleries du Val Saint-Lambert, the renowned Belgian crystal works.
Through nearly 150 works created between 1880 and 1914, the exhibition highlights the influence of Japanese art on the creations of Val Saint-Lambert, as well as the rise of the Art Nouveau movement during the Belle Époque, a period of prosperity and artistic flourishing that marked the final decades of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century.
Paintings, posters and pieces of furniture bear witness to the remarkable craftsmanship of the artists and artisans who contributed to the international reputation of the crystal works. Alongside the collections of the Grand Curtius—some of whose pieces are being displayed for the first time—the exhibition features works from private collections as well as numerous objects from this period preserved by the museums of the City of Liège. Particular attention is also given to Léon Ledru, a key figure in Val Saint-Lambert’s Design Department and a passionate admirer of Oriental art.
A true journey at the crossroads of European and Japanese influences, this exhibition offers groups a fascinating immersion into the world of crystal, artistic innovation and the decorative arts.