Fukusa (brodé sur les deux faces d’un vol de cigognes sur les vagues) - Japon, XVIIIe siècle - Soie brodée
©Paris, MAD / Jean Tholance
After its 2023 edition and the exhibition Du bol !, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is interested in the representation of animals and their symbolism extending from antiquity to the present day. The exhibition is organized around five themes.
First, Asian legends and mythologies allow us to explore and understand what certain animals, real or imaginary, symbolize in Chinese and Japanese culture. In the second part, a wide variety of objects, graphic
arts, textiles and clothing shows how deer, ducks, cranes, peacocks, lions, turtles, rabbits, monkeys, foxes, as well as baku, qilin, luduan, etc. to which some insects such as dragonflies and butterflies are added, play a part
in the decors and make up the patterns.
Titled “In the shape of”, the third part features sculptures of animals and numerous zoomorphic objects often
used as perfume burners. Where the objects are not of zoomorphic origing, the animals often give their shape to the handles, feet and lid grips. Since ancient times, animals have supplied man with many materials such as ivory,
horn, feathers, scales and leather to make the ornaments and objects presented in Part Four.
Finally, the fifth part shows how some animals are the faithful companions of certain divinities or the subject of fables as a mirror of man. The exhibition is presented in the permanent galleries that lead visitors through the museum from the medieval to contemporary rooms.