Émile Gallé – Nature & Symbol

One of the leading lights of the Art Nouveau movement, French glass artist Émile Gallé (1846-1904) also worked in sculpture, ceramics and furniture, and had a particular affinity for depicting abstract concepts through shapes and figures found in the natural world. A passionate botanist, Gallé often incorporated flowers and other plants into his pieces – a theme that gets particularly insightful treatment at the Teien Museum's spring special. Composed of both glass pieces and design sketches on loan from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, 'Nature & Symbol' should open up new vistas for anyone interested in the art of botany. When you're done with the exhibition, put your new perspectives to the test at the museum's Japanese garden.