Vacheron Constantin x Palace Museum’s education institute: A fusion of culture, art

On August 9, Swiss luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin unveiled a new private exhibition, “Tribute to Traditional Culture: The Seawater Cliff in the Journey of Time,” at Beijing’s ancient Pudu Temple. Curated in collaboration with Song Haiyang, Former Associate Research Librarian of China’s Palace Museum, the exhibition, which closed August 18, drew inspiration from the legendary Chinese motif known as “Seawater Cliff.” The motif of wave-lashed cliffs, which first appeared in the 14th century, served as a bridge connecting Western watchmaking traditions with Western cultural heritage. The event also featured the debut of four limited-edition pieces from Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art – Tribute to traditional symbols series, featuring two interpretations of “Seawater Cliff” created by artisans under the guidance of Song. Song was joined at the opening ceremony by Swiss Ambassador to China, Jürg Burri; Jenny Gu, CEO of Richemont China; and Yang Zhengfeng, CEO of Vacheron Constantin China. Ambassador Burri emphasized Vacheron Constantin’s role in Sino-Swiss cultural exchanges, saying, “As a historic Swiss luxury watch brand, Vacheron Constantin is pivotal in Sino-Swiss cultural interactions. This exhibition vividly demonstrates the rich outcomes of these exchanges and the shared commitment to cultural education and heritage preservation.” This is Vacheron Constantin’s first design collaboration with Chinese experts and it marks a significant milestone in the Swiss watchmaker’s partnership with the Educational Institute of Palace Museum in Beijing. Announced last month, the three-year collaboration focuses on cultural education and heritage preservation, with Vacheron Constantin becoming the first luxury watch brand to engage in a watchmaking course with the Institute. From timepieces to educational programs, the partnership is an important step in advancing cultural preservation and craftsmanship. In this partnership article, Jing Daily explores how Vacheron Constantin is integrating its watchmaking expertise with Chinese cultural heritage, reflecting its brand philosophy rooted in humanistic art and craftsmanship. Identifying cultural touchpoints “The ‘Seawater Cliff’ was a supplementary motif that frequently appeared in architectural decorations, clothing and objects,” says Song of the highly auspicious pattern that was once reserved for the imperial family. Framed by Pudu Temple’s centuries-old architecture, Vacheron Constantin’s exhibition featured precious artifacts adorned with the motif from the Palace Museum’s collection alongside the new watches, creating a spellbinding journey through time. “In the past, the integration of Eastern and Western art has faced challenges due to insufficient understanding of each other's cultural essence. From my perspective, this collaboration is a pinnacle moment because we have deeply understood Chinese culture, even gaining a new interpretation of the symbol of the Jiangyan (Seawater Cliff) pattern," says Song, who has curated several major exhibitions at the Palace Museum. Vacheron Constantin’s connection with the Chinese market dates to the mid-19th century, evolving over nearly two centuries. The maison has continuously drawn inspiration from China’s traditions and crafts as well as its legends and calendar to create exceptional timepieces. “In the process of integrating the deep roots of Chinese culture with world cultures, it’s crucial to grasp the points of convergence within the cultures,” adds Song. “Identifying these cultural touchpoints is something we aim to firmly maintain." The exhibition unfolds in three chapters. The History blends antique watchmaking tools with mixed reality technology to showcase Vacheron Constantin’s historical evolution. Meanwhile, The Motif features rare artifacts, including a yellow silk dragon robe embroidered with 12 imperial symbols, which vividly illustrates the traditional motif. The Watch chapter displays Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art collection, showcasing intricate techniques and the highest levels of watchmaking craftsmanship. The latest watches in this collection highlight the ‘Seawater Cliff’ symbol using cloisonné enamel, grand feu enamel, hand engraving and gemstone setting. Hand in hand Western timepieces were introduced to China from the 16th century, with the Palace Museum’s collection exemplifying centuries of cultural exchanges. Established by the museum, the Educational Institute aims to promote traditional culture and social education by leveraging the museum’s extensive resources to provide diverse cultural and artistic education programs to the public. Vacheron Constantin is partnering with the Institute to develop unique courses centered on horology and craftsmanship, along with a series of public cultural exchanges and training activities. These initiatives are designed to deepen public understanding of watch culture and craftsmanship, while also invigorating traditional watchmaking. "Vacheron Constantin and the Educational Institute of Palace Museum share a common vision and mission. We hope to achieve this through a series of study programs, offline exhibitions, and even international exchanges, facilitating mutual learning among experts," says Yang, CEO of Vacheron Constantin China. Vacheron Constantin has a history of partnering with major global museums – including the Louvre in Paris in 2019 and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2023 – to safeguard and pass on heritage, knowledge and expertise. The Palace Museum represents the pinnacle of Eastern culture, reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to bridging Eastern and Western cultures through its timepieces. “Our experiential master classes in the Educational Institute of Palace Museum will give the public an opportunity to learn about Swiss culture, Swiss quality, and how Swiss watchmaking intersects and interacts with traditional Chinese and Eastern cultures,” Yang says. In a rapidly changing world, deepening exchanges rooted in both cultures becomes increasingly valuable, resonating with the local consumer market. The timepieces at the Palace Museum embody centuries of history, intersecting with Vacheron Constantin’s creations and symbolizing the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Vacheron Constantin x Palace Museum’s education institute: A fusion of culture, art

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Published August 30, 2024

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Vacheron Constantin x Palace Museum’s education institute: A fusion of culture, art