A total of 466 pieces of Eastern and Western court jewelry will be on display at the “Royal Style: Qing Dynasty and Western Court Jewelry” exhibition in Taipei this June, according to Taiwan’s National Palace Museum March 26.
Among them, 160 are from the collection at NPM, 74 from mainland China’s Shenyang Palace Museum, and 232 from the Cartier Collection, “whose unique creations highlight the exquisite workmanship of Western jewelry,” NPM said.
“In the Qing imperial court, jewelry was custom-made for the royal family and officials, as well as for different rites, holidays and events, with the most magnificent and dazzling pieces reserved for royalty,” NPM explained.
According to NPM, highlights of the exhibition on the eastern front include “Court Crown with Golden Phoenixes and Pearl Inlay,” an ornament worn by Qing empresses and concubines at imperial ceremonies; “Gilt Hairpin with a Design of Squirrels and Grapes, Kingfisher Feathers, and Gemstone Inlay”; and “Pearl Ornament in the Shape of a Phoenix,” a hairpin worn by Empress Wanrong, wife of Puyi, the last emperor of imperial China.
Pieces lent by Cartier include “Panther Clip Brooch,” which was sold to the Duchess of Windsor, and “Patiala Necklace,” which was created for Sir Bhupindra Singh, Maharajah of Patiala, NPM said, adding that the exhibition will run from June 9 to Sept. 9.
Innovative shows such as this one helped make the NPM the seventh most visited museum in the world in 2011, according to a survey recently released by the U.K.-based Art Newspaper. (HZW)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw