The Hong Kong Palace Museum proudly presents the special exhibition “Elegance in Diversity: Cartier and Women”. Curated and organized by The Hong Kong Palace Museum, with support from Cartier, this is the world’s first large-scale exhibition dedicated to the unique role and influence of women in Cartier’s history.
The exhibition will showcase approximately 300 Cartier art treasures, including jewelry, watches, precious objects, accessories, and documents from the 19th century to the present. It aims to explore the close relationship and fascinating stories between women and jewelry, while presenting the inspiration that Chinese and global art have provided to Cartier in terms of style, patterns, materials, and craftsmanship, showcasing the profound influence of Chinese aesthetics on the lifestyle and fashion of women worldwide.
Even famous actresses Brigitte Lin, Carina Lau, and Michelle Yeoh have lent their precious collections for this exhibition, including crowns, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches, and other accessories, making this exhibition even more diverse and attractive. Here are some selected highlights of the exhibition!
Lin Qingxia flower crown
The collection loaned by Lin Qingxia is the floral crown she wore at her 60th birthday banquet, which was made in 1919. Over the years, she has also collected several pieces of jewelry art that showcase Cartier’s unique aesthetics, and she said, “I hope to continue passing on this elegance, taste, and temperament, making it timeless.”
Liu Jialing’s Natural Pearl and Diamond Crown
When Liu Jialing married the film emperor Tony Leung, she wore a 12-carat pear-shaped diamond ring custom-made by Cartier. Since then, Cartier has accompanied her through many red carpet moments both at home and abroad. In 2018, Liu Jialing had the opportunity to encounter a crown exclusively customized by Cartier in 1906, adorned with natural pearls and diamonds in a Greek style, and became its owner. In this exhibition, she will share with everyone the captivating charm of this crown.
Rare Trinity series by He Chaoqiong
Helen Chiu has been associated with Cartier since she was ten years old. For her, Cartier is a cultural and artistic enlightenment. She believes that Cartier’s uniqueness lies in its daring innovation while preserving traditional craftsmanship, creating countless classics. Among them, the Trinity series holds special meaning for her. She is the first collector in the world to own the Cartier Trinity series special limited edition, which includes seven bracelets.
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Imitation Qing Dynasty Lady Painting Porcelain Plate Makeup Box
This is a Chinese-style makeup box made by Cartier in 1928. The design was inspired by a Qing Kangxi period porcelain plate with a colorful courtyard scene collected by Louis Cartier (1875-1942) and his wife.
Cartier’s first female creative director, Jeanne Toussaint, designed the iconic panther brooch.
This is the first female creative director of Cartier, Jeanne Toussaint (1887-1976), who designed the panther brooch for the Duchess of Windsor (1896-1986) in 1949. It symbolizes power, courage, and independence. This brooch is not only one of Toussaint’s most representative works, but also redefines the meaning of jewelry for women, with the panther becoming a iconic symbol of Cartier.
American socialite Barbara Hutton’s collection of jade necklaces
This exhibit confirms the influence of Chinese culture on Cartier jewelry. It is a Cartier necklace that was given to American socialite and fashion icon Barbara Hutton (1912-1979) as a wedding gift in 1933. The jade used in the necklace is a precious gemstone commonly used in Chinese decorative arts.
“A Myriad of Elegance – Cartier and Women”
Date: April 14, 2023 to August 14, 2023
Location: Hong Kong Palace Museum
Tickets: HKD 120 (Adults) | HKD 60 (Concession)
Image source and learn more: Hong Kong Palace Museum
