Tin from the Middle Ages to Art Nouveau

Zinnobjekte sind als integraler Bestandteil der europäischen Kulturgeschichte im Kunstgewerbe weitverbreitet und dennoch weitgehend in Vergessenheit geraten.

• 

  Prunktisch in Boulletechnik aus dem Heidelberger Schloss, Detail der Tischplatte, Johann Daniel Sommer, Heidelberg (?) 1684

• 

  Prunktisch in Boulletechnik aus dem Heidelberger Schloss, Johann Daniel Sommer, Heidelberg (?) 1684

• 

  Liturgisches Salzgefäß, Italien, 2. Hälfte 14. Jahrhundert

• 

  Zunftkanne der Zinngießer in Pressburg (Bratislava), Christoph Böhmer, Pressburg (Bratislava) 1658/59

Although tin and pewter objects are widespread within decorative arts and an integral part of European cultural history, they have nonetheless been largely forgotten. At its branch venue in Schloss Köpenick, Berlin’s Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) is showing a special exhibition that traces the use of tin from the Middle Ages to Art Nouveau. Including some 100 artworks, it illuminates not only the development from sacred to everyday objects, but also the complex use of the material in furniture art.

One of the most prominent exponents of the so called Boulle furniture is Johann Daniel Sommer, who worked in Künzelsau, Württemberg, in the late 17th century. His furniture combines tortoiseshell, horn and tin into a décor that evinces an affinity to both painting and goldsmithing.

A special exhibition of the Kunstgewerbemuseum – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin

Runtime: Fri, 24/04/2026 to Sun, 04/10/2026

Price info: Annual Pass.

Takes place here:

• Kunstgewerbemuseum im Schloss Köpenick