The National Art Center, Tokyo is holding a special exhibition, "Cartier, Crystallization of Time," from October 2 to December 16. It showcases Cartier's contemporary works from the 1970s onward.



Necklace
Cartier, 2018
Gold, diamonds, Afghan emeralds, spinel, garnet, turquoise, and onyx
Private collection
Vincent Wulveryck © Cartier

Cartier's works have been introduced in Japan through exhibitions in 1995, 2004, and 2009. It is noteworthy that, among the many Maisons, the collection has been exhibited and presented in major art museums not only in Japan but also around the world since 1989. While past exhibitions have focused on historical works from the so-called "Cartier Collection," this time will be the first attempt in the world to shed light on contemporary works from the 1970s onwards, and to express the innovation, modernity, and originality of Cartier's creative activities against the backdrop of the Maison's creative history.
"Two Fern Leaf" Brooch
Cartier Paris, 1903
Platinum, diamond
"Cartier Collection"
Nils Herrmann, Collection Cartier © Cartier

The theme is "Crystallization of Time." Centered around "time," the exhibition explores Cartier's innovative world of design in three chapters: "Color and Material," "Form and Design," and "Universal Curiosity." Cartier's jewelry is the result of the exceptional craftsmanship of its designers, incorporating gemstones that have been miraculously discovered over the course of an eternity, as well as designs inspired by all things, including cultures and natural objects from around the world. It is a microcosm of the world, a dialogue that transcends time and space with the Earth and civilization. By freely traveling through time and exploring the hidden possibilities of materials, this exhibition will introduce the secrets of Cartier's imaginative beauty, which continues to breathe new life into the world of jewelry while preserving tradition through color, line, and form.


Ring
Cartier, 2013
Gold, diamonds, black lacquer
Private collection
Yuji Ono © Nikkei_Cartier 2019

The exhibition is designed by New Material Research Institute / Hiroshi Sugimoto and Tomoyuki Sakakida. Based on the philosophy that "old materials are the newest," their designs combine traditional artisanal techniques with the latest technology and are finished with modern details. This creates an exhibition space that is conscious of "time" and encourages movement, offering a new viewing experience.