Next spring, Tokyo’s Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum will host a breathtaking tribute to Émile Gallé (1846–1904), one of the most visionary artists of the Art Nouveau movement. Titled Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of His Death: Émile Gallé — Longing for Paris, the exhibition (running February 15 to May 11, 2025) promises an immersive dive into the master glassmaker’s world, showcasing his delicate glassworks, intricate furniture, and poetic designs.
Émile Gallé, a central figure of the École de Nancy (Nancy School), revolutionized decorative arts with his nature-inspired motifs and innovative techniques. This exhibition marks 120 years since his death, offering a rare chance to see his works outside Europe. The title Longing for Paris reflects how the French capital—its art, literature, and the famed 1900 World’s Fair—shaped his creativity. Visitors can expect to discover how Gallé blended botanical precision with symbolist poetry, creating pieces that feel alive with movement and meaning.
The exhibition will feature over 100 pieces, including his iconic cameo glass vases (layered glass etched with floral designs), marquetry furniture, and ceramics. Highlights may include his celebrated “Dawn and Dusk” table and pieces inspired by Japanese art—a nod to the Japonisme trend that influenced Gallé as much as Paris did. The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, known for its focus on 19th and early 20th-century Western art, is the perfect setting for this dialogue between East and West.
Gallé admired Japanese woodblock prints and ceramics, and his work later inspired Japanese artists and collectors in return. Interestingly, the Suntory Museum of Art (which co-organizes exhibitions with Mitsubishi Ichigokan) has previously featured Art Nouveau, as seen in their past collaborations here. This exhibition could spark new conversations about cross-cultural influences in art.
Planning your visit to the exhibition:
- Dates: February 15 – May 11, 2025
- Location: Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo (near Tokyo Station)
- Tickets: Expected to go on sale late 2024; check the museum’s website for updates.
For those who can’t attend, the museum may release a digital catalog or virtual tour—follow their social media for news. Meanwhile, lovers of Gallé’s work can explore related collections at the Musée de l’École de Nancy or Paris’s Musée d’Orsay.
This exhibition isn’t just a retrospective; it’s a poetic reunion between Gallé’s legacy and Tokyo’s art scene. Whether you’re an Art Nouveau enthusiast or a newcomer to his work, it’s a chance to witness beauty that transcends time.
If you find yourself in Europe with a passion for art and history, a journey to Nancy, France, is an unforgettable experience—especially for admirers of Émile Gallé and the Art Nouveau movement. This elegant city, the birthplace of the École de Nancy, offers an intimate look at Gallé’s genius, from his luminous glassworks to his exquisite furniture. At the Musée de l’École de Nancy, you can stand before masterpieces like his famed “Dawn and Dusk” table or vases etched with delicate orchids and dragonflies, feeling the same inspiration that once flowed through his workshop. Strolling through Nancy, you’ll encounter Art Nouveau architecture at every turn, from the flowing ironwork of Villa Majorelle to the organic motifs adorning local cafés. Beyond Gallé, the city’s Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dazzles with 18th-century grandeur, while nearby Lorraine offers scenic vineyards and charming villages. For those who truly want to understand Gallé’s world, Nancy isn’t just a destination—it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of Art Nouveau. To plan your visit, explore more about Nancy’s artistic legacy here.
by