Islamic Art Finds Its Way Into The Jewelry Of Cartier

This Eid, let's celebrate one of most bountiful gifts of Islam to the world- Islamic Art! The historical background of Islamic art stretches over a thousand years, transcends boundaries, and takes on a broad range of genres and forms, from the Taj Mahal to the finest examples of Calligraphy paintings or silk Persian carpets.

The Islamic art form is one of the most popular arts in the world. From calligraphy to paintings and glass making to ceramic architecture, Islamic art has been the most notable style of art for the past 1400 years. Islamic art is lively and unique. It encompasses all artistic traditions in Muslim and non-muslim culture and is not limited to any religious activity. Its profound visual appeal beats time and geography, and cultural boundaries. Originally, Islamic art is derived from a wide spectrum of sources. It incorporates aspects of Greek and early Christian art, and also great Middle Eastern cultures like Byzantium, Egypt, Italy, and ancient Persia, plus eastern cultures such as India and China.

The compelling geometric and symmetrical character of Islamic Art emerged from a collaborative interaction of Arab, Turkish, Egypt, and Persian traditions brought together in all regions of the new Muslim Empire and pre-Islamic traditions in the many nations conquered. Today, we can see Islamic art has made its way into the Jewelry of Cartier. Louis Cartier has always been regarded as the creative genius of the French enterprise during the wonderful years when he headed the Paris flagship from roughly 1900 to 1932. It made quite a statement for his art collection to be ranked alongside the jewels. Islamic art has been one of the major sources of inspiration, which has helped the team to come up with unique and alluring jewelry designs.

The new exhibition Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity which opened on October 21, 2021, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and closed on February 20, 2022, is one of the most remarkable exhibitions held to date. The show includes nearly 500 gems and artefacts from the Cartier Collection, Islamic masterpieces, paintings, manuscripts, photographs, and Cartier archive records that chronicle the jeweler's interest in Eastern art patterns. Not only Louis Cartier was captivated by the highly detailed work marked by lyrical lines and repeating geometric patterns. Henri Vever, another renowned jeweler of the time was amassed a remarkable collection of Islamic art, which the Smithsonian acquired in 1986. Both jewellers donated pieces to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs' groundbreaking 1912 display of 500 Persian miniatures.

In this blog, we are going to see some of the most beautiful and symbolic pieces of jewelry created by Cartier after getting inspired by Islamic art. And most of these were presented in Cartier’s exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.

Cartier’s Diamond and Platinum Tiara 

Cartier was also influenced by Islamic art to develop his iconic peacock design, which combines the green of jade or turquoise with the blue of precious stones or gemstone. The syntax of Islamic art, which includes symmetrical mandorlas, paisleys, and leaf-like designs in dramatically vivid color and pattern, penetrates the language of Art Deco.

Boucheron’s Lavallière Pendant Earrings

Another piece of authentic geometric and symmetrical Art Deco jewellery that was inspired by the geometry and symmetry of Islamic art and was showcased in the exhibition gives such a contemporary look that it is impossible to believe whether or not it is an Art Deco-inspired contemporary piece. The Cartier Meride necklace in onyx, diamonds, and rock crystal, by Van Cleef and Arpels, designed with a fringe of emeralds and sapphires, or oval lines is one of the most beautiful pieces created.

Cartier’s Meride Necklace

The Art Déco Histoire de Style was totally inspired by the brand's archives from the 1920s and 1930s, with current works interpreting Art Deco's distinctive contrast between clarity of lines and richness of colors and textures. This is reminiscent of the domes and arches of mosques and the intricate inlay mosaic work of their interiors.

Bandeau, Cartier Paris

This bewitching piece is made with diamonds and platinum. Madame Ossa Ross had a custom order made for her. The Cartier Collection is a collection of luxury products designed by Cartier. This piece is from Nils Herrmann, Cartier Collection. The symmetrical triangles across the piece make it a mathematical masterpiece and a subtle nod to Islamic Art.

Wrapping Up

From the beginning of the twentieth century to now, the impact of Islamic arts on the creation of jewellery and valuable artefacts has transformed jewelry design. Apart from jewlery, Islamic art covers a broad range of forms and mediums, including paintings, tile work, carpets, wooden decor, and more. 

If you're interested in Cartier's jewelry, check out their store, and if you are looking for more of these design connections and interesting blogs that cover video design to production, you can visit Pixel Dino’s blog page.