#Germany #Dresden #Japanese art #A. Lange & Söhne

A. Lange & Söhne Supports Iconic Japanese Art Exhibition in Dresden

A. Lange & Söhne, the renowned watchmaker, is playing a pivotal role in sponsoring a major exhibition titled "Japan on Paper in Dresden. Utamaro, Hokusai, Hiroshige, and the Graphic Arts of Modernism". This exhibition, running from June 26 to September 20, 2026, will unveil a plethora of masterpieces created by legendary Japanese woodblock artists including Utamaro, Hokusai, and Hiroshige.

Organized with the backing of the Japanese Embassy in Germany, the exhibition aims to invite visitors into the mesmerizing world of Ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese woodblock prints, and to shed light on their profound influence on the modern international art scene. Visitors will get to admire over 10,000 unique pieces, with some being exhibited for the very first time.

Historical Significance of Japanese Prints

Since the reign of the Elector Augustus II of Saxony, Japanese art has made a significant mark on Dresden's art collections. In the early 1900s, Dresden emerged as one of the initial centers of Japonisme in Germany, making it crucial for the art museum to expand its collection of Japanese art. Approximately 300 Japanese woodblock prints and publications from this era constitute a major part of the museum's most treasured collection.

The artifacts on display will exhibit the multi-color woodblock designs from various seasons, including works by artists such as Toyohara Kunichika and others, celebrating the rich cultural exchange between Japan and Germany.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition will showcase iconic works that highlight the unique aesthetics, color usage, and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Japanese art, along with approximately 40 pieces from renowned Western modernists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edvard Munch.

Dr. Bernd Ebert, the museum's director, emphasized the power of art transcending cultural limitations: "This exhibition merges the excellence of Japanese woodblock prints with modern art, illuminating how intimately connected art can be beyond borders. The influence of Japan in shaping international modernism is notably pronounced. We extend our deepest gratitude to A. Lange & Söhne for their unwavering trust and support over the past two decades."

Insights from A. Lange & Söhne

Wilhelm Schmidt, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, echoed the sentiment of cultural admiration and the timeless allure of Japanese art, stating, "The respect and admiration for Japanese art have continued since the time of Augustus II. Its unique aesthetics and craftsmanship have influenced numerous art movements globally. Supporting this exhibition enriches our appreciation for Japanese art and fosters cultural dialogue between our nations."

A. Lange & Söhne: A Legacy of Mastery

Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolf Lange, A. Lange & Söhne has been a pioneering force in the luxury watchmaking sphere. Despite facing challenges, including nationalization during the Cold War, the brand was resurrected in 1990 by Walter Lange. Today, each timepiece embodies meticulous craftsmanship, available in limited quantities each year.

Notables include the Lange 1, which was the first to feature an oversized date, and the Zeitwerk, showcasing digital time display. The brand culminates its commitment to artistry and excellence with remarkable pieces like the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater and Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon.

As the exhibition approaches, anticipate a captivating journey through the landscapes of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship, brilliantly intertwined with A. Lange & Söhne's legacy of precision and beauty.