
Japanese collector Kazumi Arikawa is one of the world’s most influential collectors of historic and artistic jewels, with a collection that has been admired for some 40 years.
Now, for the first time, his collection is being showcased in a solo museum exhibition, titled “The Art of Jewellery,” at the Lotte Museum of Art in Seoul.
“The Art of Jewellery” spans ancient times, the middle ages and Renaissance to contemporary times, showing some 200 jewelry items Arikawa has collected.
Upon entering the space, visitors are instantly immersed in a dark atmosphere where their eyes focus on the shining gems. The exhibition space was designed in collaboration with Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
“As an advocate of the art of jewelry, it has long been my wish to create a sacred place where as many as people as possible can directly experience the art of jewelry and immerse themselves in the beauty and emotion of this world.
I firmly believe that this sacred time and space of beauty will allow us to feel the inseparable connection between ourselves as beings and the planet that gives us life,” said Arikawa.

The highlight of the collection at the museum is "Cross of Christ and the Evangelists" on display at the end – one will have to walk through a dark hallway to encounter the hand-engraved work created by Renaissance master Valerio Belli in the 14th century. Only three editions of the craftwork remain ― the other two are in the Vatican and Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

After walking through the first section, “Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance,” visitors are led to the 17th to 18th centuries of Europe, when jewelry was used as a political symbol to display the dignity of one's imperial status. Tiaras created hundreds of years ago by popular high-end jewelry brands such as Cartier, Chaumet and Boucheron are part of the exhibition.
At the entrance to the exhibition and the resting area inside the hall are architect Kuma’s installation works, offering exhibitiongoers the opportunity of artistic inspiration. Inspired by gemstones' crystal structure, Kuma has created geometrically interconnected objects hung from the ceiling through the use of frames and reflections.
Arikawa is also the founder of Albion Art Jewelry Institute. The exhibition runs through March 16.
