Art collection - Pinakothek der Moderne acquires significant Japanese collection
The new collection at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich has acquired over 300 Japanese ceramics and lacquerworks. According to the museum in Munich, this is the most significant collection of its kind. The Cultural Foundation of the States supported the purchase from the Jahn couple with approximately 264,000 Euro. In 2026, the New Collection - The Design Museum plans to present these new acquisitions in an exhibition.
According to the museum, the works provide an overview of Japanese ceramic art from the past 50 years and significantly expand the existing holdings of the house in the direction of Asia. In addition, there are outstanding lacquerworks from this period as well as some older objects. Much of it was collected by the couple on their trips to Japan and they also visited artists in their studios.
The Jahn collection includes, among other things, plates, bowls, vases, bottles or sake cups, but also teapots, water vessels, and lid vessels for incense. The purchase was also supported by the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the PIN Museum Friends Association.
The new ceramics and lacquerworks originated from Japan and are now part of the extensive art collection at the Modern Art Museum in Bavaria, specifically the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich. The Foundation for Culture of the States in Germany contributed significantly towards purchasing these pieces, specifically around 264,000 Euro from the Jahn couple. This acquisition will be showcased at the New Collection - The Design Museum in Munich in 2026, providing an opportunity for the public to appreciate the diversity of Japanese ceramic art. Apart from the new pieces, whose provenance can be traced back to the past 50 years, the collection also includes some older lacquerworks and ceramics, many of which were personally collected by the Jahn couple during their visits to Japan and artist studios.
