Fabergé and Cartier: A Rivalry that Shaped Jewellery and Design

Description

At Liang Yi Museum, Fabergé and Cartier: Rivals, Visionaries, Mastersmiths traces the captivating dialogue between two of the world’s greatest jewellery houses, peeling back layers of influence, rivalry and reinvention that defined their parallel journeys — from imperial opulence to Art Deco modernity.

Showcasing 105 exquisite objects — 63 pieces on loan from Palais Royal, including precision clocks and jewels; and 42 from Liang Yi Museum’s own permanent collection. At the heart of the display is one of the most celebrated categories of Fabergé: an imperial “Tsesarevich” egg from 1905. Highlights also include 1907 dashboard gauges and a flower orchid potted plant, both fabricated by Cartier.

Complementing the exhibition are a range of expert-led events.

On 27 February at 16:00, the panel discussion Authenticating a Fabergé Egg unites speakers Palais Royal Hong Kong founder and second-generation dealer, Gilles Zalulyan, director of Hong Kong University Museum and Art Gallery Florian Knothe and member of the Experts Committee of the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation Michel Kamidian. Moderated by assistant professor in technical art history and heritage science at City University of Hong Kong Astrid Harth, it will explore the evidence surrounding the authentication of the featured egg and high-stakes challenges of verification in art.

Then, on 6 March at 16:00, author Olivier Bachet will lead a talk, Between Paris and St. Petersburg: Cartier’s Artistic Dialogue with Imperial Russia, tracing Cartier’s evolution from admirer of Russian opulence to jeweller of global renown. 

The Object Handling Workshop, which will be held on 26 March between 15:00 and 16:00, invites guests to handle selected exhibits. Both English and Chinese sessions are available. 

Finally, on 7 May from 15:00 to 16:00, art historians Mathilde Rondouin and Gilles Zalulyan will trace the evolution of objets de vertu (small, highly crafted luxury items) — from rare curiosities to lifestyle treasures — through a talk and live object demonstration. RSVP required.

The exhibition is by appointment only, via email or 63332347.