From Groeningemuseum to Japan: Bruges painting on display in new exhibition in Tokyo
The painting 'Scenes from the Life of Saint James and Saint John' has had a long journey. The 16th-century painting traveled from the Groeningemuseum to Tokyo, where it has been on display since October 25th in an exhibition at the National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) in the Japanese capital. It hangs there alongside a painting from the NMWA collection, which also depicts scenes from the life of Saint James and has the same dimensions. This is the first reunion in over a century of the two works that were – likely – created by the same, yet anonymous, painter.
Unique reunion in Tokyo and Bruges
In 1909, both paintings were still owned by a London art dealer. Shortly thereafter, one painting was purchased by the Municipal Museums in Bruges (with the help of the Friends of Musea Brugge). The other painting was acquired by the prominent Japanese art collector Kojiro Matsukata (1866-1950). For the first time in nearly 116 years, both paintings can now be seen together.
The collection presentation runs until May 10, 2026, in Tokyo. Afterwards, both paintings will travel to Bruges, where they can be admired together at the Groeningemuseum from June 16 to October 26, 2026.
Look at the work in the finest details
A long journey
Although artworks often travel as international loans, this journey was no easy task. The 16th-century work has a wooden panel and is therefore sensitive to changing conditions. Its large size also posed a challenge. Thanks to the thorough preparations by various experts from Musea Brugge and NMWA and in collaboration with a specialized transport firm, the journey went smoothly and safely. In a custom-made crate, the painting began its journey by truck to Luxembourg, then flew by cargo plane to Tokyo. Anna Koopstra (curator of early Netherlandish painting at Musea Brugge) traveled along to closely monitor the transport and check the condition of the painting upon arrival.
What preceded: research and restoration
Since 2017, Musea Brugge has been in contact with NMWA regarding the 16th-century artwork. The Japanese painting has since been studied and examined using various scientific research methods. The Bruges painting was also studied with infrared reflectography and extensively documented by researchers from NMWA and Musea Brugge. The collection presentation in Tokyo was the ideal occasion for Sofia Hennen (painting conservator at Musea Brugge) to clean and restore the painting. Now it shines at its best in Tokyo, and this summer you can find both works in the Groeningemuseum.
