Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design

Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design explores the influence of Islamic art on the production of jewellery and precious objects by Cartier, from the early 20th century to the present day.

Jewellery and objects from the Cartier collection, masterpieces of Islamic art, drawings, books, photographs, and archival documents trace the diversity of sources that inspired the forms and motifs used in Cartier creations.

Sometimes easily identifiable, at other times decomposed and recomposed to the point of rendering their source untraceable, motifs and forms from Islamic art and architecture have integrated into the stylistic language of designers, constituting part of Cartier's repertoire to this day. This is illustrated by contemporary jewellery pieces that complete this journey.

The mandorlas, palmettes, fleurons, rinceaux, and sequins of Cartier jewellery are inspired in turn by motifs found in book bindings, oriental architecture, and antique and contemporary jewellery purchased by Jacques Cartier during his expeditions to India.

A true immersion in Cartier's creative process, this book documents the renewal of the iconic jewellery house's forms and manufacturing techniques.