Japanese lacquering, also known as Urushi, has long been an admirable artisanal treasure to Japanese culture. Continuously searching for excellence, Chopard launched the L.U.C XP collection in 2011, created in association with Yamada Heiando, the official Urushi supplier to the Japanese imperial family. The exceptional collection was a joint masterpiece under the supervision of old master Kiichiro Masumura, proclaimed “Living National Treasure” and handcrafted by Urushi master Minori Koizumi, the result are exceptional pieces of horological art. The collection depicts five mythical creature of the universe from ancient Asian philosophy: dragon, phoenix, kylin, tiger and the genbu.

Each meticulously handcrafted and reveals a deep sense of poetry, these motifs are depicted through the use of three techniques, Urushi, Maki-e and Raden. The present set of examples illustrates two of the most elusive mythical creature in Asian culture. Under the gaze of the half moon, a pair of Kylin gracefully prance amongst iridescent clouds made with the “Raden” technique (mother-of-pear chips inlaid onto wet lacquer). Another features a fierce golden dragon with shimmering blue horns swivelling high amongst the enigmatic night sky. Blessed with the symbol of good fortune and tranquillity, the present pair in pink gold wristwatches offered in exceptional condition accompanied with individual octagon-shaped lacquer presentation box surely deserves the attention of the connoisseurs of extraordinary dials.