Ceramics from Asia

Chinese and Japanese porcelain has long played a crucial role in Dutch domestic interiors, and wafer-thin fired porcelain with blue Chinese decorations became immensely popular in the Netherlands in the 17th century. The Rijksmuseum has collected Asian ceramics since its founding in 1885. The majority of objects in its collection are Chinese (about 2300 objects) or Japanese (about 600 objects), with some 50 additional objects originating in other Asian countries. In 1952 the Asian Art Society in the Netherlands (KVVAK) transferred its collection to the Rijksmuseum. This collection of objects that were highly appreciated as works of art in Asia itself includes Japanese tea ceramics, Chinese Song bowls and Tang tomb figures, and ceramics from Southeast Asia and Korea.