Created as a singular work of art, the L.U.C Essence of Shunga celebrates the dialogue between Swiss Haute Horlogerie and Japan’s rich artistic heritage. The watch features six miniature Shunga-inspired erotic scenes, meticulously handcrafted in traditional Urushi lacquer by a master artisan in Japan. Each miniature painting has been individually executed using ancestral techniques, transforming the timepiece into both a mechanical masterpiece and an objet d’art.
The creation coincides with an important milestone for ART in TIME: the opening of its new gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for luxury craftsmanship and fine art. This exclusive timepiece symbolizes the gallery’s commitment to building meaningful cultural bridges between Europe and Japan through exceptional watchmaking.
Housed in an elegant 18-carat ethical rose gold case, the L.U.C Essence of Shunga combines technical excellence with artistic audacity, offering collectors a truly unique expression of craftsmanship, culture and horological savoir-faire.
A Tribute to Japanese Artistic Heritage
The six miniature scenes adorning the watch are inspired by Shunga, one of the most celebrated artistic traditions of Japan’s Edo period. Rather than pursuing provocation, the project seeks to pay homage to a remarkable cultural heritage through exceptional craftsmanship. Each composition has been entirely hand-painted by a Japanese Urushi master, whose expertise preserves centuries-old decorative techniques. The result is a series of intimate miniature artworks whose extraordinary level of refinement perfectly complements the exceptional finishing standards of the L.U.C collection. The collaboration between Swiss watchmaking excellence and Japanese lacquer artistry creates an unprecedented dialogue between two cultures that share the same reverence for patience, precision and artisanal perfection.
The Art of Shunga
Shunga, meaning “Spring Pictures,” refers to the celebrated tradition of Japanese erotic art that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868). Produced by many of Japan’s greatest ukiyo-e masters, including Hokusai, Utamaro and Harunobu, Shunga was appreciated across all levels of society. Far beyond its erotic dimension, Shunga embodies a sophisticated artistic language exploring intimacy, desire, beauty, humor and human relationships. Characterized by refined compositions, expressive line work and remarkable attention to detail, these works are today recognized internationally as an essential part of Japan’s artistic heritage and are exhibited in major museums worldwide. The L.U.C Essence of Shunga respectfully reinterprets this historic art form through contemporary Haute Horlogerie, celebrating its aesthetic richness and cultural significance.
The Art of Urushi
Urushi is Japan’s traditional natural lacquer, harvested from the sap of the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum). Used for more than two thousand years, it remains one of Japan’s most prestigious decorative arts. Applying Urushi is an exceptionally demanding process requiring remarkable patience and precision. Multiple ultra-thin layers of lacquer are applied by hand, each one curing naturally under carefully controlled humidity before being polished and refined. This labor-intensive technique creates extraordinary depth, luminosity and durability unmatched by modern materials. For the L.U.C Essence of Shunga, each miniature scene has been executed entirely by hand by a Japanese Urushi master, preserving one of Japan’s most revered artistic traditions while elevating the watch into the realm of collectible art.
Exclusively for ART in TIME
The L.U.C Essence of Shunga has been created as a one-of-a-kind timepiece exclusively for ART in TIME.
This exceptional commission reflects the gallery’s longstanding dedication to presenting unique horological creations where traditional craftsmanship, artistic expression and cultural storytelling converge. Its unveiling also celebrates a new chapter in the gallery’s history with the inauguration of ART in TIME Ginza, extending the gallery’s presence from Monaco to the heart of Tokyo’s luxury district. The opening establishes a direct connection with Japan’s vibrant community of collectors and connoisseurs while reinforcing ART in TIME’s international vision of exceptional watchmaking.
