2025 marks the centenary of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Van Cleef & Arpels, a high jewelry Maison beloved across generations, will present a special exhibition. The venue is the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum (formerly the Residence of Prince Asaka) in Shirokanedai, Tokyo. Within the architectural space, which retains a strong Art Deco character, approximately 250 magnificent pieces, including masterpieces from the 1910s to 1930s, will be gathered. The exhibition runs from Saturday, September 27, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The exhibition is titled "Eternal Moments: Van Cleef & Arpels - Art Deco Through High Jewelry." As the title suggests, it is an exhibition that deciphers the eternal beauty woven by the Maison from an Art Deco perspective.

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1895, following the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels. In 1906, the first boutique opened at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris. Since then, the Maison has established its position through poetic designs inspired by nature, the performing arts, and fantasy, combined with advanced craftsmanship.

For Van Cleef & Arpels, Art Deco is not merely a style of an era, but an indispensable keyword when discussing creativity and innovation. Its symbol is the "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes" (commonly known as the Art Deco Exhibition) held in Paris in 1925. At this exhibition, Van Cleef & Arpels won the Grand Prix in the jewelry category, making the Maison's name known worldwide.

The exhibition will feature the award-winning piece "Entrelacs de Fleurs, Bracelet Rose Rouge et Blanc" (1924). The coexistence of strength and delicacy embodied in the magnificent rose motif tells of the aesthetic core held by the Maison at the time.

The exhibition venue is the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, housed in the former Residence of Prince Asaka, built in 1933. The construction was influenced by Prince Asaka's visit to Paris in the early 1920s, where he attended the Art Deco Exhibition.

Upon returning to Japan, the Prince commissioned Henri Rapin, a renowned decorative artist who participated in the exhibition, to design the main rooms of his residence. Furthermore, numerous artists, including glass artist René Lalique, contributed to the decoration.

The architectural design from that era is preserved in an exceptionally good condition, offering visitors an experience as if they have time-traveled to the Art Deco period.

This exhibition will showcase rare high jewelry, jewelry, watches, and objets d'art from the "Patrimoine Collection," symbolizing the history of Van Cleef & Arpels. Additionally, selected pieces from private collections will be included, bringing the total to approximately 250 items.

Furthermore, about 60 precious archival documents from the Maison will be displayed, offering insights into the stories and creation processes behind the works. The exhibition is divided into four chapters, each highlighting the relationship between Art Deco and the Maison from a different perspective.

Chapter 1, "The Dawn of Art Deco," focuses on high jewelry created between the 1910s and 1930s, including works that received accolades at the Art Deco Exhibition. It showcases the early stylistic beauty established by the Maison.

Chapter 2, "Development of a Unique Style," highlights the emergence of white jewelry in the 1920s, skillfully adorned with diamonds and platinum. By pursuing three-dimensional and sculptural forms, the Maison's distinctiveness began to take shape.

Chapter 3, "Modernism and Functionality," illuminates the abstraction, geometric forms, and pursuit of functionality in jewelry design. Works reflecting the innovation that responded to societal changes are expected to be displayed.

Chapter 4, "Gardens Woven by Savoir-Faire," focuses on the Maison's renowned "savoir-faire" (craftsmanship). Through an experience of touring five gardens adorned with jewelry motifs of flowers and animals, the Maison's artisanal skill will be showcased.

This exhibition serves as a dialogue between the aesthetic beauty brought by Art Deco and the creative power of the Maison that has inherited and evolved it. Unfolding within the unique space of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, this exhibition is sure to inspire all jewelry lovers.