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Koktail Magazine
05 Aug 2024
Franck Muller, the Swiss watchmaker known for its independent spirit in contemporary horology, has introduced the Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition.
This new timepiece, developed in collaboration with Japanese artist Ryoko Kaneta, offers a fresh take on the dragon, a symbol of the year. The watch merges traditional symbolism with whimsical artistry, making it a standout in both design and concept.
The watch is currently on display at Maison JE in Bangkok, running through August 31, 2024. It is also showcased at Art Focus Bangkok until August 24, 2024. Limited to just 500 pieces across the Asia Pacific region.
In a recent interview, Kaneta, renowned Japanese artist, shared her excitement about this collaboration and the creative process behind the Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition.
“Dragons in Japanese culture have various traditions, such as coming from the sea or hiding in the clouds. It is believed that if you see a dragon, good luck will come to you.”
Kaneta explained.
“Based on the idea that seeing it would bring good fortune, I created a character based on the motifs of gold and white, which are symbols of good fortune.”
Her signature chibi-style characters interact with the watch’s indices, echoing Japanese pop culture, “kawaii,” and traditional Japanese philosophies Shinto, which sees the divine in all things.
The watch features a turquoise dial and hand sewn alligator strap, drawing inspiration from nature, clouds, and the sea. This choice reflects Kaneta’s artistic vision and the dragon’s association with water, which is believed to bring good fortune.
“I usually like the sea and mountains and nature itself.
I often create works that anthropomorphize things like the sea, mountains, and other natural elements, as well as genetic phenomena and little girls,”
Kaneta noted.
The Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition maintains Franck Muller’s high standards of craftsmanship with its 5850 Cintrée Curvex case.
This timepiece features spade hands, Arabic numerals, and the reliable MVT FM 2536-SC self-winding movement, making it the perfect candidate for a daily wearer.
Ryoko Kaneta, born in 1991 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, graduated from Yokohama University of Art and Design in 2014. Her artworks express the existence of Gods, natural phenomena, and knowledge beyond the human mind.
Kaneta's dreamy landscapes celebrate nature's fragility and seasonal transformations using a delicate acrylic technique influenced by the Rinpa and Kano Schools and Ancient Japanese literature.
For this collection with Franck Muller, Kaneta explained,
“People often say that the characters' faces resemble mine. I don't draw about myself; instead, I create new characters that I've imagined. However, since I am the creator, people often notice similarities, which makes me both happy and a little embarrassed.”
“In recent years, I've been creating large three-dimensional works, and for the first time in this collaboration with Franck Muller, I've created animations.”
In addition to painting, Kaneta has recently ventured into animation and pottery, exploring new forms of artistic expression.
“While my primary focus will remain on painting, I’d like to continue creating my own works using a variety of expressions, without being limited to just painting.
Recently, I’ve developed an interest in pottery and have been creating pottery works. To all the artists out there wanting to find their true selves, I’d say start with a hobby you’re passionate about – the professional progress will follow.”
The Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition is priced at SGD $18,000 (approximately 478,978.03 Thai Baht, updated on 5 August 2024)
For those interested in experiencing this unique timepiece, the exhibition at Maison JE and Art Focus Bangkok provides a chance to see the fusion of traditional watchmaking and contemporary art up close.
Ayane Ueno has provided the translation for the interview.
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