Dragons & Demons | The Groninger Museum

In the exhibition 'Dragons & Demons - 5000 Years of Asian Ceramics from the Anders Collection- the Groninger Museum shows highlights from the more than 1,400-piece collection of ceramic objects of the couple George Anders and Netty Bücher. Each object tells something about the life, daily habits, rituals and the passion to decorate in Asian cultures. From drinking tea to ancestor worship and from dragons to demons.

During the Chinese year of the Dragon the Groninger Museum invites you on a journey through 5,000 years of Asian ceramics. With each object you discover more about historical and cultural customs, such as drinking tea, burning incense, and honoring ancestors. Delve into more spiritual and philisophical topics, like the role and meaning of Chinese gods in society and reflections on the cosmos. Animals also receive special attention, ranging from real animals, such as lions, chickens and fish, to mythical creatures such as the Chinese dragon and phoenix.

George Anders, professor of human genetics from Luxembourg and Netty Bücher, biologist from Switzerland, lived in Haren (near Groningen) for many years and were enthusiastic collectors of Chinese and Japanese ceramics. They traveled all over the world to visit museums and built up an extensive library. Through auctions they collected more than 1,400 ceramic objects, ranging from very early to contemporary Asian ceramics.

The Foundation for Asian Art and Crafts, founded by the couple, together with the Groninger Museum, takes care of the collection after their death and regularly purchases new pieces.

Dragons & Demons - 5000 Years of Asian Ceramics from the Anders Collections can be seen in the Starck pavilion at the Groninger Museum.