The jade period at the Guimet Museum.
On the occasion of the exhibition Jade of the Empereurs in Art Deco style At the Guimet Museum, we discover this stone from several angles.
It should be emphasized that the sages of Antiquity compared virtue to jade. For them: «It is the image of goodness, because it is soft to the touch; of prudence, because its veins are fine, compact and solid; of music, because by percussion clear, high-pitched sounds are produced…» 500 years BC. Confucius, the sage, described jade in this way. Virtuous.
For this, the elegant Guimet Museum It takes us into this virtuous circle, that of a long history dedicated to this beautiful stone. Thus Jade (precious stone) It presents itself to the visitors through a block of raw jade. In order to attract more attention, the visitors are invited to experience it through a different sense than sight, touch.
Let us delve a little deeper into the history of jade. From the most distant period to that of the Qing dynasty, which had a special taste for this stone.
China, 4th-3rd century BC.
China, 4th century BC.
China, First half of the 11th century.
China, beginning of the Qing dynasty, 17th century.
China, Qing Dynasty XVIIIth century.
China, Qing Dynasty XVIIIth century
China, Qing Dynasty XVIIIth century.
Referring to his admiration for jade in other cultures in contact with China, the jade has also inspired the world around it.
China, 1736-1795
India XVIIIth century
India, Mongolia, 17th century.
The history of jade continues with the attraction of this stone in Europe from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
This rosary achieved some fame during the Second Empire. The general commander-in-chief of the French expeditionary corps had some mandarin ceremonial necklaces made in this style and presented them to Empress Eugénie. This gift was denounced by the public, which was hostile to the campaign in China.
China, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Jade, rose quartz, spinel, lapis-lazuli, coral, pearls, gold.
Highly sought-after, the Coromandel blinds seduced Coco Chanel in the 1910s. She owned thirty-two of them. Lacquered, their edges are adorned with designs, often of jade.
17th century.
These pieces, once objects of ritual and symbols of power, appeal to Art Deco collectors. They illustrate this passion for pure forms and colors ranging from jade green, bronze, or celadon. These are also the same objects that can be found on the edge of the Coromandel curtains. Finally, this superb exhibition concludes with the Art Deco period. We then discover the full art of haute joaillerie for jade through the works of the Cartier Maison.
Platinum, gold, jade, rock crystal, onyx, nephrite, diamonds, pearls, turquoise, coral, enamel
Jade, diamonds, coral, gold, emeralds, mother-of-pearl, onyx, enamel.
Esprit Joaillerie Charlotte Wannebroucq Museum Guimet
Cartier New York, 1926
Platinum, diamonds, jade, coral, red enamel.
Cartier Paris, 1934.
Twenty-seven jadeite balls, 15 to 19 mm, platinum, gold, diamonds, rubies.
© Cartier
Or, platinum, diamonds, rubies, engraved jade, black enamel.
Or, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, carved jade (18th century), black enamel.
© Cartier
To put it simply, it’s a very beautiful exhibition that shows us the fascination of Asia for jade, a fascination that has also inspired French creativity.
Jade of the Empereurs in Art Deco style
Exhibition from October 19, 2016 to January 16, 2017.
National Museum of Asian Art-Guimet
6 Place d’Iéna 75116 Paris
