Jaeger-LeCoultre hosts a gala dinner at a thousand-year-old temple in Kyoto
On a spring evening, Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre transported select media, friends of the brand and VIPs to Kyoto for a gala dinner inside the grounds of Shin’nyo-do Temple dating back to the year 984. Guests arrived to cocktails and the sound of traditional Japanese music played on a Koto under illuminated maple trees and the shadow of a grand pagoda.
As part of the theme, ‘Art of Precision’, attendees were invited inside to view the works of Japanese craftsmen and craftswomen, displaying their skills in the traditional arts of embroidery, woodwork and lacquerware. As the centre and origin of many of Japan’s cultural touchstones, Kyoto served as a backdrop for the works of Mr. Kiju Fukuda, expert embroiderer, Mr. Kenji Suda, master in wood crafts and Mr. Kazuo Yamagishi, the top of his field in lacquerware. All hold the title of living national treasure, bestowed on them by the Emperor.
Kimonos, wood creations and lacquered boxes were displayed as craftspeople worked on pieces-in-progress, as well as two Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmaker and enameller artisans, with the brand highlighting parallels between Japanese expertise and precision, and their own specialized trades and performed in the Grande Maison’s home in Switzerland’s Vallé de Joux.
Dinner, served by three-michelin star chef, Christian Le Squer of Le Cinq restaurant, Paris, was three courses, between which CEO Catherine Rénier welcomed guests before being treated to a traditional Noh performance, one of the world’s oldest musical theatre arts.
Jaeger-LeCoultre also used the occasion to launch a selection of new watches including the limited edition chiming watch, the Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle. “We are delighted to present our collection of watches dedicated to Art of Precision in the city of Kyoto, known for its uniquely refined atmosphere and heritage,” Rénier said. “Resembling a perfectly executed theatre act, where the role of precision is of utmost importance: in nature, in architecture, in culture and customs.”
Images supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Above: artisans illustrate embroidery techniques at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Art of Precision event in Kyoto.
Traditional Japanese music, played on a Koto, set the scene for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Art of Precision event in Kyoto.
Scenes from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Art of Precision event in Kyoto.
Jaeger-LeCoultre gala dinner to celebrate its Art of Precision event in Kyoto.
Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Catherine Rénier at the Art of Precision event in Kyoto.
Artisans illustrate enamelling and micro-painting techniques at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Art of Precision event in Kyoto.