Ornament of a peacock by Kano Seiun II, ca. 1930s (The Levenson Collection)
Opening at Hillwood Museum on June 10, Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920–1945, reveals the widespread and particular impact of art deco on Japanese culture. Through a wide range of mediums—sculpture, painting, prints, ceramics, lacquerware, jewelry, textiles, furniture, and graphic ephemera—the exhibition, drawn from the Levenson Collection, introduces Washington to the spectacular craftsmanship and sophisticated designs of Japan’s contribution to the movement.
Deco Japan builds on the passion that Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post had for decorative art, focusing on her most transformative era, when she epitomized the flapper lifestyle and developed her own taste for finely crafted objects. Displayed among multiple buildings on the Hillwood campus, the exhibition also brings focus to the Japanese-style garden, one of the estate’s most beloved features.
Hillwood curator Estella Chung provides a welcome and an overview of the exhibition, which will open for a special private viewing by tour participants. A curator is on hand to answer questions during the visit.
Afterward, the museum and grounds are yours to explore. Join a tour of the mansion and view its collection of French and Russian decorative arts, wander through the formal gardens and greenhouse, or enjoy lunch at the café. Participants receive admission to the museum for the full day and a discount at Hillwood’s museum shop.
Limited to 85 participants.
