TOKYO — The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum hosted a press preview of “Timeless Art Deco with Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewelry”, a landmark exhibition celebrating the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. The showcase brings together more than 250 high jewelry creations, historical timepieces, and archival documents from the Maison’s patrimonial collection, offering an immersive journey through the evolution of Art Deco aesthetics in jewelry design.
Held within the historic former residence of Prince Asaka in Minato, Tokyo, the exhibition transforms the museum’s Art Deco architecture into a natural extension of the displayed works, reinforcing the dialogue between heritage design and contemporary curatorial storytelling.
A Century of Art Deco Heritage Reimagined in Tokyo
The exhibition Timeless Art Deco with Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewelry commemorates 100 years since the groundbreaking 1925 Paris exhibition that defined the Art Deco movement. That event marked a turning point in global design history, influencing architecture, fashion, and decorative arts across continents.
At the Teien Art Museum, the narrative is reconstructed through four thematic sections tracing the stylistic evolution of Art Deco—from its geometric beginnings to its sculptural refinement and modernist expressions. The presentation highlights how Van Cleef & Arpels has continuously interpreted these design codes through high jewelry craftsmanship.
According to the Maison, the exhibition reflects the enduring legacy of Art Deco as both a historical movement and a living design language that continues to inspire contemporary jewelry creation.
Over 250 High Jewelry Creations on Display
The exhibition features a curated selection of rare and historic pieces, including creations from the 1910s through the 1940s. Among the highlights are platinum-and-diamond compositions, intricate gemstone brooches, and transformable jewelry pieces that embody the innovation of early 20th-century design.
Visitors can explore emblematic works such as diamond-studded necklaces, emerald-accented bracelets, and avant-garde accessories that demonstrate the Maison’s technical mastery, including its renowned mystery setting technique.
The exhibition also includes timepieces and objets d’art such as vanity cases and decorative objects, illustrating the multidisciplinary creativity of Van Cleef & Arpels during the Art Deco period.
Art Deco Themes: Geometry, Modernism, and Nature
The exhibition is structured around key thematic pillars:
- The emergence of Art Deco aesthetics in the early 20th century
- The evolution toward sculptural and three-dimensional jewelry forms
- Modernism and functional design in luxury objects
- Nature as an enduring source of inspiration
These themes are reinforced through carefully designed exhibition spaces that guide visitors through shifting stylistic eras. Bold geometric compositions gradually transition into softer organic forms inspired by flora and fauna, reflecting the Maison’s long-standing connection to natural motifs.
Teien Art Museum: A Historic Art Deco Setting
The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum provides a uniquely fitting venue for the exhibition. Originally completed in 1933 as the residence of Prince Asaka, the building itself is regarded as an architectural masterpiece of Art Deco design in Japan.
Its interiors, characterized by geometric detailing and refined decorative elements, create a visual harmony with the exhibited jewelry pieces. The result is an immersive experience where architecture and high jewelry coexist within the same aesthetic language.
Press Preview Highlights
The press preview offered invited media a first look at the exhibition’s spatial design and curatorial approach. Lighting, display arrangements, and historical context were carefully orchestrated to emphasize the craftsmanship and artistic legacy of each piece.
The exhibition positions jewelry not only as luxury objects, but also as cultural artifacts reflecting technological innovation, artistic exchange, and evolving social ideals throughout the 20th century.
Exhibition Information
Title: Timeless Art Deco with Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewelry
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Location: 5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Dates: 27 September 2025 – 18 January 2026
Special Cooperation: Van Cleef & Arpels
Official Links
- Van Cleef & Arpels Exhibition Page:
https://www.vancleefarpels.com/jp/en/the-maison/exhibitions/timeless-art-deco-with-van-cleef-arpels-high-jewelry.html - Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Exhibition Information:
https://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en/exhibition/250927-260118_timeless-art-deco/ - Nikkei Art Exhibition Feature:
https://art.nikkei.com/timeless-art-deco/en/
