Renowned Hong Kong architect, interior, and product designer Steve Leung leads the design team at Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) in a remarkable collaboration with the prestigious French luxury House Baccarat, presenting the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier. As the first Chinese designer to collaborate with Baccarat, the fusion of Asian sensibilities and French elegance in this partnership honours the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship and commemorates Baccarat’s 260th anniversary. This groundbreaking achievement bridges cultures, uniting craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage from both the East and West, while also paving the way for future cross-cultural design endeavours.
The collaboration introduces the Printemps Bleu (meaning ‘Blue Spring’ in English), a poetic name that alludes to the rejuvenation of nature during springtime. Steve takes inspiration from Qinghua Ci, one of China’s most cherished and notable artefacts and Baccarat archive motif, reimaging Baccarat’s iconic Zénith chandelier. The fusion of crystal and chandelier evokes the Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy, harmonizing the artistic heritage of France and China. This tasteful blend holds immense appeal for discerning collectors and connoisseurs of luxury decor.
“Our collaboration celebrates Baccarat’s 260th Anniversary in 2024. Since its establishment in 1764, Baccarat has always been recognized for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and timeless designs. Today, Baccarat remains a pristine symbol of luxury and elegance. It is our honour to delve into its esteemed history of luxury legacy. Both our countries have a long-standing appreciation for art and literature. I believe this collaboration is the perfect way to celebrate our countries’ mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage and creativity, especially on the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship. I am thrilled to embark on a design journey with the talented team at Baccarat during such a milestone historical moment.” shares Steve Leung.
The Yin-Yang Harmony to blend Eastern and Western Artistry
The Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier is a captivating fusion of Eastern and Western design aesthetics, expertly crafted by Steve and Baccarat. Drawing inspiration from the revered Qinghua Ci (Blue and White Porcelain), a cherished type of Chinese porcelain with a profound historical significance, admired by Chinese and European nobles since the 16th century. This historic porcelain seamlessly weaves together the threads of the past and present, bridging the realms of the East and the West.
The chandelier boasts Limoges porcelain, gracefully entwined with Baccarat’s renowned crystals in hues of clear and cobalt blue. The chandelier embodies Zenith’s majestic form and cascading effect, featuring porcelain elements such as the cupel, baluster, and bowl in its central column and lampshades, which is the first exploration by Baccarat in their lighting objects, exemplifying Steve’s design philosophy and incorporating the notion of Chinese Yin-yang philosophy. The design of chandelier achieves a delicate balance of contrasting elements, seamlessly intertwining crystal and porcelain, transparency and opacity, blue and white, as well as Eastern and Western. Symbolizing the essence of duality, it celebrates the harmonious blend of cultures in Sino-French friendship and pays tribute to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of both Baccarat and Chinese porcelain.
“During my visit to the Baccarat workshop with Steve, I was profoundly impressed by the sheer professionalism and resourcefulness displayed by the R&D team and seasoned artisans at Baccarat. They perseveringly iterated and experimented, striving to achieve the pinnacle of brilliance. Despite the geographical distance, the chandelier development process flowed seamlessly. Each piece of chandelier embodies wisdom and centuries-old tradition of the artisans, creating a stunning piece of art.” explains Hester Lau, the Design Director working along with Steve on this creation.
Baccarat’s Century-Old Archive Weaves A Timeless Allure of Springtime
With the poetic essence, Printemps Bleu vividly alludes the flourishing revival of nature during spring season. The design of the chandelier unveils a mesmerizing ode to nature’s wonders, as swallows soar, butterflies flutter, and floral motifs bloom, their delicate presence painting a captivating narrative of the vibrant season upon its surfaces.
These exquisite Chinese motifs showcased in the design are not merely borrowed but rather trace their origins from Baccarat’s historical archives dating back to 1878. It was during the Universal Exposition in Paris that the Chinese imperial authority made its debut, presenting the finest arts and crafts, notably Qinghua Ci, which left a lasting impression on Baccarat. Inspired by these remarkable displays, Baccarat incorporated similar patterns into their creations. Preserved within century-old exquisite sketches by European artists, these intricate Chinese motifs continue to resonate even in the modern era, reflecting craftsmanship and timeless allure.
The porcelain elements of the chandelier are adorned with these intricate motifs in cobalt blue, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. The artistry unfolds through the carefully crafted porcelain lampshades, specially designed to achieve transparency. Instead of painting on the surface of the lampshades, the natural motifs are placed on the inner part. Once illuminated, these natural motifs in shades of blue dance upon the pristine white surfaces, delicately veiled by the thin porcelain, creating a spellbinding radiance and bathing the surroundings in a soft warm glow. Printemps Bleu epitomizes the harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western design sensibilities, encapsulating the enduring cultural encounter between China and France that has spanned centuries and continues to evolve.
Printemps Bleu will first be unveiled in Asia from July 2024, then will be launched worldwide in 2025. Limited to only 60 pieces, Printemps Bleu – Zénith chandelier pays homage to the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship. The Zénith chandelier has been reinterpreted by internationally renowned designers, including Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Arik Levy, Louise Campbell, and Jaime Hayon.
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