With the special exhibition “Layers and Cuts: Chinese Lacquer Art,” the Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne is dedicating a focused presentation to one of East Asia’s most precious art forms. From June 18, 2026, through January 31, 2027, approximately 60 Chinese lacquerworks from a private collection in Cologne will be on view, supplemented by selected works from the museum’s collection. The objects span the period from the 12th to the early 17th century, ranging from early forms of lacquer art to highly refined works created for the imperial court of the Ming Dynasty. Special attention is given to the previously little-studied Yunnan lacquerware of the Yuan Dynasty, which offers a rare insight into regional workshops and artistic traditions.
The exhibition reveals why Chinese carved lacquer art has been regarded as a masterpiece for centuries. From the sap of the lacquer tree, dozens of wafer-thin layers are created over weeks of labor-intensive processes; these are dried, dyed, and then carved into relief. Characteristic features include the vibrant cinnabar red, deeply lustrous black lacquers, and intricate mother-of-pearl inlays; the motifs range from Daoist and Buddhist symbols to flowers, birds, and mythological scenes. For visitors, “Layers and Cuts” thus offers not only a rare glimpse at precious Chinese lacquerware in Cologne, but also into the cultural imagery and technical sophistication of East Asian art history.
Services – MuseumsCard Offer
This offer includes admission to the exhibition “Layers and Cuts. Chinese Lacquer Art” from June 18 through January 31, 2027, with the MuseumsCard Single for adults or the MuseumsCard Family. With the MuseumsCard, you can also visit as many other museums in the city of Cologne as you like on a total of two consecutive days when the museums are open. You have free choice:
Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud
Roman-Germanic Museum
Museum of Applied Arts, Cologne
Museum of East Asian Art
Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum – Cultures of the World
Cologne City Museum
Nazi Documentation Center
On the first day of validity, the MuseumsCard also serves as a valid ticket on public transportation operated by VRS partner companies within the city limits of Cologne.
