On October 8, a press briefing announced that the Shanghai Museum, in partnership with Cartier, will unveil the exhibition “The Enchanted Garden: The Artistic Magic of Cartier” on November 6 at the museum’s East Building. This exciting exhibition will feature 298 stunning pieces from Cartier’s collection, including iconic jewelry, watches, and archival items, which will engage in a unique “dialogue” with 34 carefully selected Chinese artifacts.
Cartier, founded in 1847, has a storied history filled with treasures and archives. The exhibition is organized into six thematic sections: “Symbols of Glory,” “The Spirit of Nature,” “Boundless Creativity,” “Moments of Wonder,” “Eternal Principles,” and “A Spoonful of Splendor.” Its goal is to delve into how Cartier draws inspiration from various cultures and contemporary artistic movements, showcasing the brand’s unwavering commitment to refinement and its boldness in pushing the boundaries of jewelry art.
A standout feature of the exhibition is a sword designed by the renowned French writer Jean Cocteau (1889-1963). Cocteau created this piece personally, and Cartier expertly brought his vision to life. The sword’s guard is adorned with an image of Orpheus from Greek mythology, a recurring source of inspiration for Cocteau. Additionally, the handle is embellished with a decoration resembling Orpheus’s lyre, featuring an emerald and two rubies gifted by Coco Chanel and Francine Weissweiler. The sheath of the sword is capped with a palm holding an ivory bead, drawing inspiration from Cocteau’s most celebrated novel, “Les Enfants Terribles.”
Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s Director of Image, Style, and Heritage, emphasized that this exhibition represents a renewed collaboration between Cartier and the Shanghai Museum, following their joint venture in 2004 for a Chinese-themed exhibition. He highlighted the unique analytical lens this exhibition provides, examining the connections between Cartier and China while maintaining a central theme of “enchantment.”
Chu Xiaobo, the director of the Shanghai Museum, noted that the mysterious allure of Eastern art has significantly enriched Cartier’s cultural narrative. The intricate artistry of ancient Chinese artifacts, combined with the brilliance of gemstones and the elegance of exquisite designs, breathes life into creative expression, showcasing a unique and timeless artistic vitality. The chosen 34 Chinese artifacts will engage in a profound artistic dialogue with Cartier’s collection, gazing toward the heavens and witnessing eternity.