8 December 2009 - the exhibition of 320 pieces selected from approximately 1,200 works in the Khalili Collection was opened in the Picket Hall of the Winter Palace.

The exhibition illustrates the development of enamelling through time and space. The collection comprises pieces of art produced by the masters of Europe, the Middle East and the Islamic lands during the past three centuries - from 1700 to 2000.

Enamelled works of art have always been recognised and appreciated. Produced by talented craftsmen, they served as high-priced gifts, together with articles decorated with precious stones. The exhibition shows enamels received as wedding and birthday presents from royalties or presented during state visits. These works of art served as long service awards and were bestowed as a token of goodwill. The exhibition illustrates works produced by the makers of major firms who won recognition at international exhibitions and contributed to the development of enamel art. International exhibitions boosted the market for manufactured enamel. But the demand for handmade articles was preserved.

The exhibition illustrates the breadth of both the articles on display and the spread of new ideas. If, in the XVIII century, European work makers produced works for the Middle East market, then, in the XIX century, articles made by Chinese and Japanese masters won recognition in Europe as a source of wonder. It is not only works of art produced by the jewelers and enamellers that could be transferred. The craftsmen themselves were mobile and moved from one country to another acquiring new knowledge. Mutual influence and mutual enrichment allowed for enamel development at high level during those three centuries.

The exposition presents articles from Europe, China, Japan, Turkey, Iran and India. A special section explores Historism art. Russia is presented by Karl Faberge firm works; the most notable enamellers of the XX century are presented by the largest French firm Cartier works.

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Marina Lopato, Chief of the metal and stone section of the Western European Applied Art Department, the State Hermitage Museum, and Professor Haydn Williams, London.

A fully illustrated Catalogue Enamels of the World. 1700 - 2000. From the Khalili Collection (State Hermitage Publishing House, 2009) has been prepared to accompany the exhibition. The introduction to the Catalogue was written by Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage, and Professor Nasser D. Khalili, the owner of the collection. The Catalogue is written by Professor Haydn Williams and edited by Marina Lopato. The catalogue of the Khalili collection was published by the Khalili Family Trust in 2009 (in the English language).

More

Professor Nasser D. Khalili

Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum

At the opening of the exhibition

At the exhibition in the Picket Hall

First Visitors

Catalogue of the exhibition

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