Hong Kong Palace Museum | HKPM Special Exhibition Talk Series: Cartier and Chinese Inspirations

Curios—objects eliciting curiosity—were fashionable collectibles in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The discovery of these surprising items from China or Japan, made of various materials and embellished with peculiar decorations, sparked a craze for all things Asian, captivating art lovers and exerting a profound influence on European visual arts. Since 1847, Cartier, one of the world’s most famous jewellers, has been providing astounding creations to satisfy customers’ demands while introducing novelties. Although the Asian-style jewellery of the House is well-known and published, its historical and cultural background is less understood.

In this talk, Dr Estelle Niklès van Osselt will compare Cartier pieces with Chinese and Japanese artefacts, telling the story of an unexpected discovery. She will also explore how the encounter gives life to the dialogue between East and West, presenting the fascinating evolution of a style. Yau Sum Yin, Assistant Curator of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, will be in conversation with Dr Niklès van Osselt on the exhibition catalogue at the end.

This talk complements the special exhibition “Cartier and Women” in Gallery 8 at the Museum. As the first major exhibition on the unique role and influence of women in the history of Cartier, it showcases about 300 stunning treasures created by Cartier including precious jewellery, timepieces, objects, accessories, and archival records from the nineteenth century to the present day, and illustrate the impact of Chinese aesthetics on the development of women’s lifestyles and global fashion. This exhibition is organised and curated by the Hong Kong Palace Museum with the support of Cartier.

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