EGN NEWS DESK
The Métiers d’Art—Tribute to Traditional Symbols sequence transports wearers again to the cultural richness of China’s final two Imperial dynasties, spanning the 14th to the early twentieth centuries. Vacheron Constantin’s deal with the ornamental arts, particularly the “Seawater Cliff” motif, attracts inspiration from its prevalence in imperial courtroom structure, furnishings, porcelain, and dragon robes. These intricately embroidered clothes symbolized prosperity and standing, usually adorned by members of the Imperial household. The motif is characterised by towering cliffs being lashed by ocean waves, representing the steadfastness of the emperor amidst life’s challenges.
Mr. Song’s deep information of Chinese historical past and symbolism knowledgeable the Maison’s research of this motif, guiding the creation of the dials for these restricted editions. Extensively researched and meticulously documented, the “Seawater Cliff” motif embodies a mountain standing resilient towards crashing waves, an auspicious image worn on imperial robes for hundreds of years.
Water and mountains have been integral themes in Chinese artwork relationship again to the Neolithic interval, progressively evolving into extra figurative varieties by the primary millennium AD. However, it was throughout the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties that the “Seawater Cliff” motif actually emerged. Officially named throughout Emperor Wanli’s reign (1573-1620), this motif was reserved for the Imperial household and have become a defining function of Chinese tradition. The waves, represented as undulating strains, crash powerfully towards cliffs, symbolizing the emperor’s enduring stability and governance over the empire.
In Chinese language and tradition, “tide” and “dynasty” are homophones, whereas “cliff” may also signify “ginger buds,” whose varieties are depicted on the cliff’s edge. As the motif grew well-liked, it unfold throughout social lessons and have become a staple in furnishings, ornamental objects, and structure. Housed in a 38 mm 18K pink or white gold case, the watches are powered by the in-house Calibre 2460, chosen for its aesthetic attraction and compact dimensions. This motion options central hours and minutes palms, providing a transparent, unobstructed show of the intricate dial art work. With a 40-hour energy reserve and the celebrated Hallmark of Geneva certification, this calibre ensures each excessive efficiency and horological experience. The 22K gold rotor is intricately engraved with wave and tide motifs, resonating with the symbolism of the dial.
One of the standout fashions on this sequence depicts the “Seawater Cliff” motif via cloisonné enamelling, set towards a starry evening sky. The mountains, bordered by vegetation resembling ginger buds, are surrounded by tidal waves. The vivid colors and conventional Chinese aesthetics make this piece a exceptional instance of cloisonné enamelling, a way deeply rooted in Chinese craftsmanship. Also often called Jingtai Blue, this technique reached its peak throughout Emperor Jingtai’s period within the Ming dynasty.
Creating the intricate “Seawater Cliff” motif includes putting 220 gold wires, requiring greater than 50 hours of meticulous work. The enamelling course of follows in layers, every color fired in a kiln earlier than shifting to the following. It takes a further 70 hours to attain the piece’s signature wealthy hues. The closing sprucing highlights the golden cloisonné that shapes the motif, whereas a translucent enamel coating brings a singular glow to the detailed composition. The bezel, totally hand-engraved, includes a bat motif. In Chinese, the phrase for “bat” shares its pronunciation with “happiness,” making it an emblem of excellent fortune. In conventional Chinese design, 5 bats usually signify the “Five Good Fortunes”: longevity, wealth, stability, advantage, and happiness. The engraver delicately renders the bat as a steady frieze, capturing its attribute silhouette in successive volutes.
The second interpretation of the “Seawater Cliff” motif emphasizes depth and monochromatic magnificence. Crafted in 18K white or pink gold, the dial options hollowed waves, blue enamel sections, and diamond-set accents on the mountain ranges. Multiple strategies, together with Grand Feu enamelling, engraving, and champlevé, mix to create this composition, giving the motif a refined but distinct aesthetic.
The dial is split into three sections. The first represents the ocean, rendered in deep-blue Grand Feu enamel utilized in successive layers and kiln-fired. The engraving approach highlights the waves, with white enamel filling the furrows to create a shadow impact, mimicking a sea in movement. The second part, representing the ocean tides, is hand-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, evoking slivers of moonlight. The third part provides dimension with raised mountains, engraved with champlevé enamel to reinforce the angle. The bezel is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, echoing the moonlight glow captured within the dial’s diamond settings, finishing the refined and harmonious design.
