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Lot Essay
Cf. F. Cologni & E. Nussbaum, Platinum by Cartier, New York, 1995, p. 206
The Chimera, or mythological dragon-lion was one of the most important and evocative creatures in the Chinese pantheon. It was the Chimera who stood guard at the temple or palace gate; fierce and provocative, warding off evil spirits with bared fang and piercing gaze while nurturing the more benevolent shades. A thoroughly useful being, the visage could be adapted to architecture, jade carving, costume embroidery, furniture and jewellery. This and many oriental motifs were used with charm and exuberance by the great jewellery houses in Europe and America particularly during the Art Deco period. The chimera - in its many guises, has undoubtedly earned its place as one of the lasting motifs in Cartier's design vocabulary.
The Chimera, or mythological dragon-lion was one of the most important and evocative creatures in the Chinese pantheon. It was the Chimera who stood guard at the temple or palace gate; fierce and provocative, warding off evil spirits with bared fang and piercing gaze while nurturing the more benevolent shades. A thoroughly useful being, the visage could be adapted to architecture, jade carving, costume embroidery, furniture and jewellery. This and many oriental motifs were used with charm and exuberance by the great jewellery houses in Europe and America particularly during the Art Deco period. The chimera - in its many guises, has undoubtedly earned its place as one of the lasting motifs in Cartier's design vocabulary.