The century-old tiara inspired by Hokusai's 'Great Wave off Kanagawa'

[Enter Stage Rite]

The world of high jewelry is awash with creations that are not only exquisite but also hold stories within their glittering facets. The Boucheron Wave Tiara is one such piece, a nod to both the artistry of French jeweler Boucheron and the captivating influence of Japanese art.

 

Crafted in 1910, the tiara’s design draws inspiration from the iconic Japanese woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai. This masterpiece, part of Hokusai’s renowned series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, depicts a colossal wave threatening boats beneath Mount Fuji. The Boucheron Wave Tiara captures this scene in a dazzling display of diamonds and platinum.

 

 

The Boucheron Wave Diamond Tiara, constructed by the firm ca. 1910; the tiara was intended to echo the famous 1831 Great Wave Off Kanagawa, a woodblock print by Japanese artist Hokusai

Posted by Science Proves on Wednesday, May 29, 2024

 

 

The tiara's base is a delicate platinum frame, upon which curves of shimmering diamonds cascade downwards, evoking the movement and power of the wave. The crest of the wave is rendered with a series of larger diamonds, while smaller stones fill in the body, creating a dazzling play of light and shadow. This painstaking setting technique, likely employing techniques like millegrain and tremblant, adds depth and realism to the wave’s form.

 

The Boucheron Wave Tiara is a crowning glory of Art Nouveau’s influence on jewelry design. This artistic movement, characterized by its organic forms and nature-inspired motifs, perfectly complements the dynamic energy of Hokusai’s wave.

 

The precious piece's history remains shrouded in some mystery. There is no record of its original owner, and its whereabouts after 1910 are unknown.

 

In the meantime, you can have a closer look through the replica below.

 

 

 

 

• https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2018/02/the-daily-diadem-boucheron-wave-tiara.html 
• https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/ntvz8r/boucheron_wave_diamond_tiara_1910_inspired_by_the/ 
• https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=308129632344877&set=a.283773228113851 

 

Opening image generated on AI