Cartier's Timeless Brilliance

Cartier’s timeless brilliance comes to light at its first-ever exhibition showcasing creations from the last four decades, alongside iconic pieces from the Cartier Collection.

- Yanni Tan

It is a joy to admire the beauty of high jewellery and watch masterpieces by virtue of their own merits, but it is also a privilege when the pieces are displayed in the context of their creative heritage. It is nothing short of visual fireworks at Cartier’s first exhibition globally, which focuses on pieces from the contemporary period, displayed alongside historically significant Cartier Collection exhibits dating from the early 1900s.

At the Cartier, Crystallization of Time exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo, taking place from now until Dec 16, it is finally possible to experience the essence of the maison in a holistic way. If you’ve ever wondered how the signature Cartier style has evolved through the decades, this show will shed some light.

After 34 Cartier Collection exhibitions worldwide since 1989, this is the first time Cartier’s finest creations and innovations from the ’70s are being showcased. And it’s not just a treat for visitors, but also a feat for the brand, as most of the newer pieces are still in the hands of first- to third-generation private collectors who have generously loaned them for this show.

It took Cartier’s Image, Style and Heritage Director Pierre Rainero and his team over four years to curate the exhibits and put the show together, but not without surmounting Herculean challenges in coordinating the logistics and administrative details along the way. Just imagine how they’d first have to interest the collectors in participating and convince them to physically unlock their vaults, before even thinking about the paperwork, security, insurance and transport.