In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries it was fashionable to
collect 'curios', objects so named because they aroused
'curiosity'. Imaginatively decorated and made from different
materials, some of which are still underappreciated, these exotic
objects from China and Japan fascinated Westerners. They stimulated
a fad for Asia, captivated art lovers, and had a profound influence
on the graphic arts in Europe. This beguiling period kindled a
passion for collecting in Alfred Baur (1865-1951) and for creation
in Alfred Cartier (1841-1925) and his three sons, Louis
(1875-1942), Pierre (1878-1964), and Jacques (1884-1941). While the
pieces fashioned in Asian style by the Maison Cartier are generally
known, their historical and cultural context is not, thus the idea
arose of bringing these fine creations together with the
collections of the Baur Foundation, Museum of Far Eastern Art,
based in Geneva. As one leafs through the pages, Asia Imagined
slowly becomes apparent, like a treasure hunt. Diamond-studded
pagodas and pavilions, busy scholars beneath the starry sky,
nacreous moonlight scenes, shimmering phoenixes, jade dragons, and
multi-coloured cherry blossom-like gems depict an imaginary land.
The Cartier magic has its effect. Side-by-side with the creations
of the Parisian jeweller, the imperial porcelains, lacquerware
embellished with precious metals, embroidered silks, jades,
coloured enamels, netsuke, sword hilts, and prints belonging to the
Baur Foundation give their version of the marvels of China and
Japan and install a unique dialogue, offering an exceptional
opportunity to view two of the world's most outstanding
collections.
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