Tailored to perfection

While Chanel never visited China, its art and imagery played a big part in her life. After she discovered Chinese lacquer screens at a Parisian antique shop, she eventually built up a collection of 32 coromandel screens among which she used to line the walls of her apartments.

For the exhibition in Shanghai, Chanel invited Chinese artist Wu Guanzhen to reinterpret these panels. Wu created three lacquered screens on three themes－"Lofty Mountain", "Early Spring" and "Garden of Pleasure"－featuring modern variations on traditional motifs found in Chinese art. With their unique textures, imagery and shimmering colors, these artworks provide the perfect backdrop for the jewelry on display.

zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn