Chapter 1
Material Transformation and Colors
This chapter analyzes how Cartier applies its exceptional savoir-faire to materials and colors to create
the most innovative designs. From platinum enhancing diamonds to unexpected materials, such as fossilized wood, and bold color combinations of vibrant stones, this chapter testifies to Cartier's relentless exploration of new creative approaches to jewelry design.
About the Exhibition Design
Gemstones floating in the tranquil darkness
Kasuga sugi
(Japanese cedar)
(Japanese cedar)
Kasuga sugi (Japanese cedar wood) is used for the back of display case for this chapter. As a backdrop of ultimate aesthetic simplicity of the display case, beautiful and strong reddish-brown annual tree rings are accentuating the jewelry. Kasuga sugi, one of the most precious cedar wood is mainly found in the area of Mt. Kasuga in Nara Prefecture, and is appreciated for its elegant wood grain.
Ra (Korean Fabric)
In Chapter 1, fabric evokes a space in which boxes holding royal treasures lie concealed by mist rising hazily in the gloom. The dense, complex weave of Korean Ra fabric gives it unique characteristics used here to effect a delicate, misty translucence.. This fabric was specially created with the support of ONJIUM-the Research Institute of Korean Cultural Heritage for this exhibition.