Cover The Printemps Bleu Zénith chandelier is a masterful blend of French and Chinese artistic heritage
The Printemps Bleu Zénith chandelier is a masterful blend of French and Chinese artistic heritage
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Acclaimed Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung collaborates with Baccarat to blend Qinghua Ci-inspired art with French crystal craftsmanship
French luxury house Baccarat has partnered with renowned Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung for a reimagining of the iconic Zénith chandelier, inspired by the equally emblematic Qinghua Ci blue and white porcelain.
The inaugural collaboration is in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic Sino-French ties between China and France, as well as commemorative of Baccarat’s 260th anniversary.
The first Chinese designer to collaborate with Baccarat, joining the ranks of other renowned designers like Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, Leung’s Printemps Bleu chandelier–which means “Blue Spring” in English–embodies the Chinese yin yang philosophy by way of harmonising the artistic heritage of France and China: crystal and porcelain, transparency and opacity, and blue and white.
Above The Printemps Bleu Zénith chandelier is a masterful blend of French and Chinese artistic heritage
The Printemps Bleu Zénith chandelier is a masterful blend of French and Chinese artistic heritage
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“Since its establishment in 1764, Baccarat has always been recognised for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and timeless designs,” shares Leung. “I am thrilled to embark on a design journey with the talented team at Baccarat during such a milestone historical moment.”
He continues: “Both our countries have a long-standing appreciation for art and literature, and I believe this collaboration is the perfect way to celebrate our countries’ mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage and creativity, especially on the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship.”
See also: Cassina and Philippe Starck commemorate 30 years of iconic collaboration
Above Baccarat's meticulous attention to detail in crystal craftsmanship
Above Multi-tiers formation that creates a dramatic, waterfall-like effect
Baccarat's meticulous attention to detail in crystal craftsmanship
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Renowned for its high-quality crystal and meticulous attention to detail, Baccarat’s sought-after crystals are featured in clear and cobalt blue hues for the Printemps Bleu, coming together in its recognisable multi-tiers formation that creates a dramatic, waterfall-like effect.
Playing off the Zénith chandelier’s distinctive cascading design that has become synonymous with luxury lighting often seen in opulent interiors and prestigious spaces, Leung’s design incorporates carefully crafted lamp shapes made from Limoges porcelain, specially designed to achieve transparency.
Adorning the lampshades are motifs of swallows, butterflies, and floral patterns from Baccarat’s historical archives dating back to 1878. Painted on the inside of the lamp shades, the natural motifs in shades of cobalt blue cast a spellbinding radiance and bathe the surroundings in a soft warm glow.
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Above Lamp shapes made of Limoges porcelain to achieve transparency
Above Cobalt blue natural motifs inspired by the Chinese Qinghua Ci porcelain artwork
Lamp shapes made of Limoges porcelain to achieve transparency
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“Each piece of chandelier embodies wisdom and centuries-old tradition of the artisans, creating a stunning piece of art,” marvels Hester Lau, the Design Director working alongside Leung on the chandelier.
The Printemps Bleu Zénith chandelier is limited to just 60 pieces in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Sino-French friendship. It will first be unveiled in Asia from July 2024 onwards, followed by a worldwide launch in 2025.
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Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
