AsiaImaginedInTheBaurAndCartierCollection

StunningmasterpiecesofChineseandJapaneseartarepresentedherealongsidetheglitteringcreationsthattheyinspiredworld-renownedjewelerCartiertocreate.ThislavishlyillustratedbookcomparesandcontrastsCartier’sAsian-influencedcreations—diamond-studdedpagodasandpavilions,shimmeringphoenixes,jadedragons,andcherryblossomsrenderedincolorfulgems—alongsideexoticobjectsfromtheBaurFoundation,MuseumofFarEasternArt,inGeneva,Switzerland.Inthe19thandearly20thcenturies,exoticobjectsfromChinaandJapanfascinatedWesterners,captivatingartloversandinfluencingdesigners.CollectorAlfredBaur(1865–1951)beganassemblinghisunparalleledcollectionofAsianworksandParisjewelerAlfredCartier(1841–1925)begandesigningAsian-themedjewelsandpreciousobjects.Here,sidebysidewithCartier’spreciouscreations,areimperialporcelains,lacquerwareembellishedwithpreciousmetals,embroideredsilks,jades,coloredenamels,netsuke,swordhilts,andprints,offeringfreshinsightintothemarvelsofChina,ofJapan,andofCartier.