Europe’s fascination with East Asian art began in the 16th century, with items like Chinese porcelain and Japanese lacquer becoming highly prized. Johann Seyfried von Eggenberg acquired such pieces between 1660 and 1680, including a decorative screen made with “Indian paper.” Repurposed in a “Japanese cabinet” during later renovations, its origins were forgotten after the Eggenberg line ended in 1774—ironically ensuring its preservation, unnoticed, at Schloss Eggenberg.
