Chinese and Japanese Porcelain in the Frits Lugt Collection

Frits Lugt and his wife Jacoba Klever assembled a small but exquisite collection of high-quality Chinese porcelain, ranging mainly from the 16th to the late 18th centuries, which is now permanently exhibited in the Fondation Custodia. The collection reflects the Dutch preference for Kraak, Transitional and Kangxi porcelain, but a number of unusual or even unique non-export porcelains are also on display.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

When the renowned Dutch art historian and connoisseur Frits Lugt (1884-1970) and his wife Jacoba Klever (1888-1969) decided to present their collections in the Hôtel Turgot in Paris, Chinese porcelain held a prominent place among their priorities. Lugt began assembling his Chinese porcelain collection during his time in the Netherlands. After the Second World War, the couple settled in Paris, and Lugt continued to acquire pieces from dealers and auctions in France and England. He acquired a diverse range of pieces, either made for export or for domestic Chinese use. The result, now permanently exhibited in the Fondation Custodia, is a small but exquisite collection of high-quality Chinese porcelain, mainly from the 16th to the late 18th centuries. It reflects the Dutch preference for Kraak, Transitional, and Kangxi porcelain, but a number of unusual or even unique non-export porcelains are also on display. Almost all of these pieces are decorated in underglaze cobalt-blue.

In this catalogue, written by Dr. Christiaan J.A. Jörg, a Dutch specialist on Chinese and Japanese porcelain, each of the 125 pieces is described in detail and placed in a scholarly context. Special attention is paid to iconography, inscriptions, and marks. A longer, informative essay elaborates on the history of the collection, while shorter essays introduce each of the six sections into which the catalogue is chronologically divided. Every object has been photographed and reproduced from multiple angles, including the base.

Lugt's collection is a testament to the rich and diverse history of Chinese porcelain production. It showcases the craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural significance of these objects, which have been prized by collectors and enthusiasts for centuries. The catalogue provides a comprehensive and detailed examination of the collection, making it a valuable resource for scholars, collectors, and anyone interested in the world of Chinese porcelain.

The Hôtel Turgot in Paris, where Lugt and Klever presented their collections, was a prestigious venue for showcasing art and culture. The hotel, built in the 17th century, was known for its luxurious accommodations and its collection of fine art and antiquities. Lugt's decision to exhibit his Chinese porcelain collection in the hotel was a reflection of his commitment to promoting the appreciation of art and culture to a wider audience.

The Chinese porcelain collection that Lugt assembled is a testament to his expertise and dedication to the field. It includes a wide range of pieces, from delicate teaware and vases to elaborate dinner sets and sculptures. The collection is particularly notable for its emphasis on Kraak, Transitional, and Kangxi porcelain, which were produced during the 17th and 18th centuries and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Chinese porcelain.

One of the most striking features of the collection is the use of underglaze cobalt-blue decoration. This technique was developed in the 17th century and was used to create a vibrant and intricate blue-and-white pattern on the porcelain. The use of cobalt-blue was a hallmark of the Dutch Golden Age, and it was used to create a sense of luxury and sophistication in the porcelain pieces.

Another notable aspect of the collection is the range of styles and motifs depicted on the porcelain pieces. From delicate floral patterns to intricate geometric designs, the porcelain pieces showcase the skill and creativity of the Chinese artisans who produced them. The collection also includes a number of unique or even rare non-export porcelains, which were produced for domestic Chinese use and were not intended for export.

The catalogue that accompanies the Chinese porcelain collection provides a comprehensive and detailed examination of each piece. It includes descriptions of the materials used, the techniques employed, and the historical context in which the pieces were produced. The catalogue also includes photographs of each piece, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate details and vibrant colors of the porcelain.

In conclusion, Frits Lugt's Chinese porcelain collection is a remarkable testament to the rich and diverse history of Chinese porcelain production. It showcases the craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural significance of these objects, which have been prized by collectors and enthusiasts for centuries. The collection is a valuable resource for scholars, collectors, and anyone interested in the world of Chinese porcelain. The Hôtel Turgot in Paris, where the collection is exhibited, provides a prestigious venue for showcasing art and culture to a wider audience.

Weight: 1532g
Dimension: 282 x 254 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9782958323431