Chopard L.U.C Essence of Shunga: A Unique Dialogue Between Swiss Haute Horlogerie and Japanese Art

Created exclusively for ART in TIME, this one-of-a-kind L.U.C timepiece combines six hand-painted Urushi Shunga scenes with an 18-carat ethical rose gold case.

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Photo Courtesy: www.art-in-time.com.

A One-of-a-Kind Artistic Creation

Chopard introduces the L.U.C Essence of Shunga, an exceptional, unique piece created exclusively for ART in TIME, the Monaco-based gallery dedicated to independent watchmaking and artistic horology.
The timepiece brings together two distinct traditions of craftsmanship: Chopard's expertise in Swiss haute horlogerie and the centuries-old Japanese art of Urushi lacquer. Six miniature Shunga-inspired scenes adorn the watch, each individually painted by hand by a Japanese Urushi master. The result is a timepiece that moves beyond conventional watch decoration to become a singular objet d'art.
The creation also marks the opening of ART in TIME's new gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, establishing a cultural connection between the gallery's Monaco origins and Japan's longstanding tradition of fine craftsmanship.

Six Miniature Shunga-Inspired Scenes

The artistic identity of the L.U.C Essence of Shunga is defined by six miniature scenes inspired by Shunga, the historic Japanese artistic tradition associated with erotic imagery.
The compositions have been individually executed using traditional Urushi techniques, giving each miniature scene its own depth, texture and visual character. Rather than treating Shunga solely through its erotic subject matter, the creation places the tradition within its broader historical and artistic context, highlighting themes of intimacy, human relationships, beauty and humour. The miniature artworks transform the surface of the watch into a canvas for Japanese artistic expression while maintaining the refined character associated with the L.U.C collection.

The Art of Shunga

The term Shunga, translated as "Spring Pictures," refers to a genre of Japanese erotic art that flourished during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868.
Shunga was produced by numerous ukiyo-e artists, including celebrated names such as Hokusai, Utamaro and Harunobu.
The genre was appreciated across different levels of Japanese society and developed a sophisticated visual language characterised by expressive line work, elaborate compositions and meticulous attention to detail. Today, Shunga is recognised as an important part of Japanese artistic heritage, with works held and exhibited by major cultural institutions around the world. The L.U.C Essence of Shunga reinterprets this historic tradition through the medium of contemporary haute horlogerie.

The Art of Urushi

Central to the creation is Urushi, Japan's traditional natural lacquer. Harvested from the sap of the lacquer tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum, Urushi has been used in Japanese decorative arts for more than two thousand years. Its application is an exceptionally demanding process. Multiple thin layers of lacquer are applied by hand, with each layer requiring controlled curing before the surface can be polished and refined. This gradual process produces the characteristic depth, luminosity and durability associated with Urushi craftsmanship. For the L.U.C Essence of Shunga, the technique is applied on a miniature scale, requiring the same patience and precision while allowing the six individual scenes to become integral elements of the watch's artistic identity.

Swiss Haute Horlogerie Meets Japanese Craftsmanship

The L.U.C Essence of Shunga is built around a dialogue between two cultures with deeply rooted traditions of artisanal excellence. On one side is Chopard's L.U.C watchmaking, representing Swiss mechanical expertise and haute horlogerie finishing. On the other is Japanese Urushi craftsmanship, where the creation of a finished surface is dependent on painstaking manual work and controlled natural processes. The resulting collaboration brings together two different approaches to craftsmanship while sharing a common emphasis on precision, patience and attention to detail.

An 18-Carat Ethical Rose Gold Case

The watch is housed in an 18-carat ethical rose gold case, providing a warm contrast to the detailed Japanese lacquer artwork.

The precious-metal construction gives the timepiece a traditional haute horlogerie presence while allowing the hand-crafted scenes to remain the visual focus.

The combination of rose gold, miniature Urushi artwork and L.U.C watchmaking creates an aesthetic that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship.

Exclusively Created for ART in TIME

The L.U.C Essence of Shunga has been created as a unique piece exclusively for ART in TIME. The commission reflects the gallery's focus on rare, independent and artistic timepieces and its interest in collaborations where watchmaking, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling intersect. Its unveiling coincides with the opening of ART in TIME Ginza, extending the gallery's presence from Monaco to one of Tokyo's most prestigious luxury districts. The creation therefore carries significance beyond the watch itself: it represents a cultural bridge between European haute horlogerie and Japanese artistic craftsmanship.

ART in TIME: Connecting Monaco and Tokyo

Founded in Monaco, ART in TIME specialises in exceptional independent watchmaking and artistic horology. The gallery's curated approach focuses on timepieces where mechanical innovation is combined with artistic expression and traditional craftsmanship. The L.U.C Essence of Shunga represents this philosophy through a collaboration that brings together Chopard's Swiss watchmaking expertise and a Japanese Urushi master's traditional decorative techniques. The opening of the Ginza gallery further strengthens this connection by bringing ART in TIME's vision of collectable horology to Japan.

A Collectable Work of Horological Art

The Chopard L.U.C Essence of Shunga occupies a distinctive position between haute horlogerie and collectable art. Its significance lies not only in its mechanical foundation but also in the rarity of its artistic execution. With six individually hand-painted Shunga-inspired scenes and traditional Urushi craftsmanship, the watch becomes a highly personal interpretation of Japanese heritage through Swiss watchmaking. As a unique piece, it stands apart from conventional limited editions, with its artistic execution created specifically for this commission.

Availability

The Chopard L.U.C Essence of Shunga is a unique piece created exclusively for ART in TIME. For further information regarding the timepiece and its availability through its official website, www.art-in-time.com.