The special exhibition “Royal Elegance—Jewelry of the Qing Imperial Court and Western Nobility” will make its splendid debut on June 9th at the Special Exhibition Room of the National Palace Museum’s Library and Information Building. This exhibition features jewelry collections related to Emperor Puyi from the late 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 loans from the Cartier Collection, showcasing the craftsmanship of Western noble jewelry.
The “Pearl Phoenix Hairpin” once owned by Wanrong, China’s last empress. (Photo courtesy / National Palace Museum)
Among the exhibits from the Shenyang Palace Museum collection are the “Carved Double Happiness Jadeite Pendant” and the “Pearl Phoenix Hairpin,” 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, the pendant features an intricately carved “double happiness” Chinese character, with refined relief and polishing techniques that create a smooth and lustrous finish. The “Pearl Phoenix Hairpin” is composed of kingfisher feathers, various-sized pearls, and seed beads, forming the shape of a phoenix with its head held high, wings spread, and a tail adorned with nine floral plumes. Wanrong, the last empress in Chinese history, had limited exposure to the world beyond the imperial palace and sought only luxury within the inner court. While some of her jewelry employed modern materials and craftsmanship, they still retained a strong imperial aesthetic.
A depiction of Empress Wanrong, the last empress of the late Qing Dynasty, wearing a hairpin. (Photo courtesy / National Palace Museum)
Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, had a passion for Cartier’s animal-themed jewelry collections. Her collection included brooches, bracelets, necklaces, lorgnettes, feline-themed jewels, and bird-shaped brooches. The grand finale piece, the “Scroll (Scrollwork) Tiara,” is from the Cartier Collection and was custom-made in 1910 for Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Featuring a spiral design, diamond embellishments, and royal crown motifs, it outlines the tiara’s elegant silhouette, demonstrating the dazzling artistry of Western jewelry design.
National Palace Museum’s “Royal Elegance” Special Exhibition
Date: June 9 – September 9
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Admission: NT$160 for general admission, or free entry with a main exhibition ticket
The crown made by Cartier for Belgium’s Queen Elisabeth. (Photo courtesy / National Palace Museum)
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