Focus on Japan: Elise Wessels | Excursion to The Hague

Elise Wessels (1943–2023) is known to many enthusiasts of Japanese art as the founder and director of Nihon no hanga in Amsterdam. In 2022 she donated an important part of her print collection, more than 110 pieces, to the Rijksmuseum, which now holds one of the largest collections of twentieth-century Japanese print art outside Japan.

In December, Venduehuis The Hague will auction prints and other art objects from the estate of Elise Wessels in the special sale Focus on Japan.

In this context, the KVVAK is organizing a visit to the auction house on Saturday, 6 December, for which you can register.

Program:

11:15–11:45 Arrival with coffee or tea and a traditional treat from The Hague

11:45–12:15 Introduction by Mr. Radboud Molijn. In a personal talk, he will explain who Elise Wessels was as a person, as a lover of Japan, and as a collector of Japanese art. In 2016, Radboud Molijn received the high distinction The Order of the Rising Sun from the Ambassador of Japan, as did Elise Wessels.

12:15–13:15 Guided tour of the exhibition room

Afterwards, participants may look around on their own during the viewing day at Venduehuis The Hague. The Autumn Auction of Art and Antiques also includes a large amount of Chinese and other Asian antiques.

Participation fee: €5 for KVVAK members, €7.50 for non-members, payable in advance via the QR code that will be sent to you upon registration.