Exhibition

The magic of glaze

04 July - 11 January 2026

Under the patronage of the Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin

The Bröhan Museum will present the exhibition “The Magic of Glaze” starting on July 4, 2025.
The exhibition is dedicated to the renowned Danish ceramic artist Nils Thorsson (1898–1975) and the stoneware division of the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory. It also sheds light on Thorsson’s artistic milieu — Danish art ceramics from the 1930s to the 1970s — with works by, among others, Jais Nielsen, Patrick Nordström, and Axel Salto.

Visitors are invited into the fascinating world of refined glazes, where the interplay of earth and fire has given rise to artistic and unique surfaces. The exhibition features selected works that strikingly demonstrate the variety and depth of classic glazes such as celadon, oxblood, and temmoku. It illustrates how traditional techniques from classical China were reinterpreted and further developed by Nils Thorsson and his contemporaries. The glazed objects are notable for their extraordinary color depth and luminosity, revealing the aesthetic power of ceramic art.

A companion book project by collector and ceramics expert Jörg Schwandt delves deeper into the topic and invites readers to experience the sensual effect of glazes from a fresh perspective. Without resorting to overly technical explanations, the book explores the magic of glaze through vivid descriptions and striking photographs.

The exhibition offers not only an art historical perspective but also inspires a heightened awareness of materiality and color.

Advertising motif: Lavender blue colored, fine bubble Chün yao glaze (on stoneware) Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen 1950/55 (18.5 X 18.5)

Design: Gerwin Schmidt, 2025

Program for the Exhibition.

Opening of the exhibition

Thursday, 03.07., from 6 p.m. , free admission!