The first-ever full-scale "Danish Design" exhibition in Japan, "Danish Design: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Denmark," will be held at the Togo Seiji Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art in Shinjuku from November 23rd to December 27th. This exhibition, curated by the Danish Design Museum, is the first in Japan to focus exclusively on Danish design. From Royal Copenhagen to masterpieces by mid-century masters, to contemporary pieces that continue and evolve from tradition, the diverse exhibits, including furniture, tableware, home appliances, bicycles, and Lego toys, are mostly on display in Japan for the first time. In addition to viewing, there will also be a corner where visitors can sit in the chairs of the masters, including several chairs designed by Hans Wegner. Not only can you see the chairs, but you can also experience how comfortable they are to sit on, and you can also take photos in this corner.


Chapter 1 focuses on Royal Copenhagen's "Blue Fluted," a long-selling product produced by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory, founded in 1775 and world-renowned for Danish craftsmanship before the 20th century. It also features services by Arnold Krog (1856-1931), and Bing O'Connell, founded in 1853 and internationally acclaimed as a manufacturer of superior porcelain comparable to the Royal Porcelain Manufactory. This exhibition introduces porcelain designs by Bing & Grondahl. Chair KK37580 (Red Chair) (Kaare Klint) 1927 / Rud Rasmussen Workshop / Collection of the Danish Design Museum Photo: Designmuseum Danmark/Pernille Klemp
Chapter 2 explores the transition from classicism to functionalism, showcasing designs by Kaare Klint (1888-1954), the first professor of furniture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts' Faculty of Architecture, as well as his students. The simplicity and clarity that characterize Danish design and arts and crafts were born from classicism, which based its ideals on ancient Greek elements. This exhibition introduces their approach to furniture making, which emphasizes practical functionality that harmonizes with objects, people, and spaces, without discarding their traditions and instead using them as a foundation for development.
PH Artichoke pendant lamp (Paul Henningson) 1957/Louis Poulsen Photo: Michael Whiteway

Chapter 3 introduces products by a diverse range of designers who were active during the golden age of Danish design, with a focus on Hans Wegner (1914-2007), Finn Juhl (1912-1989), and Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971), who attracted people's attention from the 1950s to the 1970s. Their organic forms, "Organic Modernism," which distinguished them from the geometric, classical forms of Koao Klint and his closest disciples, demonstrated that design could be playful and human without sacrificing functionality.
PEK Bicycle (Kibbysy), 2015 / Biomega / Danish Design Museum Photo: Biomega

Chapter 4, "Postmodernism and Contemporary Danish Design," introduces the world of contemporary Danish design, from expressive designs that continue tradition to new styles that use recycled materials and are environmentally conscious. In the early 1970s, as interest in Danish design both at home and abroad began to decline, designers continued Denmark's functional, modernist tradition, which had been established in the 1920s. High-quality everyday items became an important theme for them, and in the 1970s Danish design became an extremely strong brand in the field of industrial design. Many of the products are simple and easy to use, and have remained beloved for many years as classic designs.

Advance tickets are on sale until December 26th at Ticket Pia, Lawson, 7-Eleven, e+, and Ticket Port.