Exhibition 'Gallé's Ceramics II: The World of Fantastic and Imaginative Forms' Showcasing Artworks by Art Nouveau Master Émile Gallé

Poster for the exhibition 'Gallé's Ceramics II: The World of Fantastic and Imaginative Forms'

Émile Gallé (1846–1904), active in late 19th-century France, led the Gallé Company, which manufactured and sold glass, ceramics, and wooden furniture. He presented his company's works at international expositions and received global acclaim. As both an industrialist and an artist, Gallé was a leading figure in the Art Nouveau movement. This exhibition focuses specifically on his ceramic works, presenting around 120 pieces to explore their evolution and appeal.

The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art previously held 'The Ceramics of Gallé' in 2020. This is the second installment, showcasing entirely new works. Highlights include the long-selling 'Cat-shaped Figurine' from the Gallé Company, pieces referencing 'Hokusai Manga,' and works exhibited at international expositions.

Highlights

Gallé’s pursuit of ceramics as art

Gallé began his career as an industrialist dealing in fine ceramics and glass. Gradually, he infused his works with original, fantastical worldviews and philosophical ideas, pursuing ceramics and glass as art forms. In late 19th-century France, there was a growing movement to incorporate artistic value into industrial products, and Gallé was widely recognized as a pioneer in achieving this goal.

Original and unique works inspired by Japanese art, plants, and insects

Gallé’s works feature diverse motifs, including designs derived from Japanese art, exotic plants, and depictions of insects and frogs. The selection of motifs, their unexpected combinations, and the original patterns and forms exemplify the unique, imaginative expressions possible in ceramics.

Main Works

This exhibition traces the artistic trajectory of Gallé’s ceramics, from early works to mature pieces from the late 1880s.

Émile Gallé, Figurine, Cat-shaped, 1860s, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Covered Pitcher, Parrot-shaped, 1874, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Wall-mounted Vase, Fan-shaped, 1882–84, Private Collection
Gallé–Léonard Morel, Figurine, Bulldog-shaped, 1860s, Private Collection

Émile Gallé, Covered Jar, Insect-shaped, c. 1889, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Bowl, Dragonfly Pattern, 1889, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Vase, French Daisy-shaped, 1880–85, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Small Container, Monster-shaped, c. 1878–80, Private Collection

Émile Gallé, Holy Water Font, Lorraine Cross-shaped, c. 1876, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Jar, Landscape Painting Pattern, 1880s, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Jar, Wave Pattern, 1889, Private Collection
Émile Gallé, Vase, Wave Pattern, 1889, Private Collection

*Dates indicate design year

Exhibition Overview

Exhibition Title

Gallé's Ceramics II: The World of Fantastic and Imaginative Forms

Dates

July 11 (Sat), 2026 – September 23 (Wed, National Holiday), 2026

Venue

Special Exhibition Gallery, First Basement Floor, Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art

Organizer

Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art

Supporting Organizations

City of Kasama, Asahi Shimbun Mito Head Office, Ibaraki Shimbun, NHK Mito Broadcasting Station, Sankei Shimbun Mito Branch, Tokyo Shimbun Tsukuba Branch, Mainichi Shimbun Mito Branch, Yomiuri Shimbun Mito Branch, LuckyFM Ibaraki Broadcasting

Opening Hours

9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

Closed

Every Monday (except July 20 and September 21), July 21 (Tue)

Admission Fees

• General: 950 yen (770 yen for groups of 20 or more)
• Ages 70 and over: 470 yen (380 yen)
• High school students and above: 710 yen (590 yen)
• Elementary and junior high school students: 360 yen (290 yen)

*Prices in parentheses are group rates for 20 or more people.
*Admission free for high school students and younger on the following Saturdays: July 11, 18, August 29, September 5, 12, 19.
*Free admission for holders of a physical disability certificate, child development support certificate, mental health and welfare certificate, or certificate for specified intractable diseases, plus one attendant per person.
*Free admission for visitors aged 70 and over from September 15 (Tue) to September 21 (Mon, National Holiday).

Related Event

Cross-talk: 'From Nancy and Its Surroundings: The Scene of Gallé’s Ceramic Production'

An expert on Gallé, Mr. Ikunobu Yamane, and the exhibition’s curator will introduce the background of Gallé’s ceramic production, using rich photographic material from Nancy and its surroundings, where Gallé was based.

Lecturer: Ikunobu Yamane (Art Historian)
Moderator: Mikako Namura (Chief Curator, Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art)

Date and Time: September 20 (Sun), 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Multipurpose Hall, First Floor, Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art

Participation Fee: Free (exhibition admission ticket required)
Capacity: 90 people (reservation priority)
Reservation: Apply via the museum’s website
Reservation Period: From 9:30 a.m., July 1, 2026 (Wed) to 5:00 p.m., September 19, 2026 (Sat)

Note: Free admission for visitors aged 70 and over on September 20 (Sun)

In addition, various events will be held, including programs to enjoy the museum alongside the exhibition, hands-on art corners for children during summer vacation, and a stamp rally to explore Kasama City, where the museum is located.
For details, please visit the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art’s official website.

Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art Website

Inquiries

Museum Exterior

Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art

Address: 2345 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture (within Kasama Art Forest Park)
TEL: 0296-70-0011

FAX: 0296-70-0012
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