‘Tiffany Wonder’ Bows in Tokyo

Thomas Waller
·3 min read
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Tiffany & Co. has unveiled plans for its latest exhibition, “Tiffany Wonder” — an immersive experience exploring the American jeweler’s identity, heritage of creativity and craftsmanship — which will open in Tokyo in April.

“The idea of wonder has been integral to our DNA since 1837,” explained Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications and industrial at Tiffany & Co. “Since the very beginning, each design that we’ve imagined and each piece that we’ve handcrafted has been rooted in our mission to spark wonder and inspire the world’s greatest love stories. Our latest exhibition celebrates this spirit in a city of great importance to Tiffany & Co.: Tokyo.”

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The immersive show will take visitors on a visual journey through hundreds of the house’s design masterworks, Tiffany’s legendary diamonds and other creations, each telling a story of craft and creativity, heritage and modernity. The Tokyo exhibit will include displays ranging from one-of-a-kind creations to Jean Schlumberger’s emblematic Bird on a Rock brooch; revolutionary innovations and relics of pop culture, and iconic jewelry: the Tiffany Diamond.

“Tiffany & Co. has been inspired by Japan for decades and the house’s authentic connection and extensive history in the region has only continued to grow,” said Anthony Ledru, president and chief executive officer at Tiffany’s. “Our latest exhibition showcases some of Tiffany’s most exceptional creations including the first Bird on a Rock brooch from 1965 designed by one of the 20th century’s most gifted designers, Jean Schlumberger. Uplifting the exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled diamond authority and inventiveness of Tiffany, the exhibition will bring the joy of the house to every visitor.”

Rendering of one of the rooms of Tiffany Wonder, an immersive exhibit at Tokyo Node April 12th-June 23.
Rendering of one of the rooms of “Tiffany Wonder.”

Tiffany’s relationship with Japan dates to its earliest days, beginning in 1837, when Charles Lewis Tiffany began offering his clients select imported Japanese goods — a rare offering in the American market. Many of the brand’s best-known designers, including Edward C. Moore, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Elsa Peretti, found inspiration for their work in the arts of Japan. A celebration of respect and creativity, various aspects of the exhibition are dedicated to the ways in which Tiffany & Co. is indebted to Japan.

The “Tiffany Wonder” exhibition builds on this legacy, bringing the story of Tiffany to the Tokyo Node gallery, located within the Toranomon Hills Station Tower. The setting reflects a common link between Tiffany, Tokyo and New York City: OMA. The renowned architecture firm designed Toranomon Hills Station Tower and played an integral role in the reimagining of Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue flagship in Manhattan, known as The Landmark. OMA has now designed the scenography of the “Tiffany Wonder” exhibition.

Tiffany Wonder, an immersive exhibit at Tokyo Node April 12th-June 23.
“Tiffany Wonder,” an immersive exhibit at Tokyo Node.

Within the 10 rooms, visitors will explore themes that are central to the jewelry and timepiece maker’s identity, heritage and foundations of creativity and craftsmanship. Visitors will find pieces including the first Blue Book mail order catalogue, one of the first Blue Boxes and the famed Tiffany Setting engagement ring. Each section will immerse visitors in a one-of-a-kind experience with nearly 300 never-before-seen objects, including a rare George Paulding Farnham for Tiffany & Co. orchid brooch with enamel, emeralds, diamonds and pink sapphires, as well as the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Plumes necklace, set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The exhibition concludes with the cornerstone of the brand, the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, set in a transformable new creation inspired by the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock brooch.

“Tiffany Wonder” opens at Tokyo Node gallery on April 12 and will run through June 23. Tickets are available beginning Thursday through June 23 on the Tiffany & Co. app.

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