Eastern and Western Royal Jewels Compete in Splendor at the National Palace Museum

The special exhibition “Royal Elegance—Jewelry from the Qing Imperial Court and European Nobility” will grandly open on June 9th at the Special Exhibition Room of the National Palace Museum’s Library and Information Building. The exhibition features jewelry collections related to the last Emperor Puyi of the Qing Dynasty, borrowed from the Shenyang Palace Museum, as well as items worn by Empress Wanrong during her wedding in the late Qing period. It also includes pieces from the Cartier Collection, showcasing the craftsmanship of Western noble jewelry.

Items from the Shenyang Palace Museum collection in this exhibition, such as the “Carved Double Happiness Jadeite Pendant” and the “Pearl Phoenix Hairpin,” were both worn by Empress Wanrong in the late Qing Dynasty. The “Carved Double Happiness Jadeite Pendant” was worn by Empress Wanrong during her wedding. Crafted from vibrant green jadeite, it features an exquisitely carved “Double Happiness” Chinese character with fine relief and polishing work to achieve a smooth and lustrous finish. The “Pearl Phoenix Hairpin” is composed of kingfisher feather inlay, various-sized pearls, and seed beads, forming the shape of a phoenix with its head held high, wings spread, and tail adorned with nine floral plumes. Wanrong was the last empress in Chinese history. With limited knowledge of the world beyond the Forbidden City, she sought only luxury within the imperial palace. Her jewelry combined modern materials and craftsmanship while still retaining a strong imperial aesthetic.

The Duchess of Windsor had a passion for Cartier’s animal-themed collections. Her collection included brooches, bracelets, necklaces, lorgnettes, feline jewelry, and bird-shaped brooches shaped like panthers. The grand finale piece, the “Scroll (Voluted) Tiara,” was specially made by Cartier in 1910 for Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Featuring a spiral design, diamond embellishments, and royal laurel motifs, it outlines the tiara’s elegant silhouette and showcases the dazzling artistry of Western jewelry.

National Palace Museum’s “Royal Elegance” Special Exhibition

Dates: June 9 – September 9

Time: 09:00 – 17:00

Admission: NT$160 for general admission, or free entry with a main exhibition ticket

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