India: Jewels that Enchanted the World, the most comprehensive exhibition of Indian jewellery ever staged, will take place at the State Museums of Moscow Kremlin from 12 April to 27 July 2014.
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- Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Delhi, c. 1911; modern print from original negative - Cartier Archives, Paris, B749 C.K.
The exhibition examines the legacy of five hundred years of Indian jewellery, from the 17th century to the present day. More than 300 pieces of jewellery and jewelled objects generously loaned from over 30 museums, institutions and private collections from around the world are brought together for the first time to showcase the beauty of Indian craftsmanship, the magnificence of gemstone setting and the aesthetic refinement of Indian taste. Many of the items have never been exhibited before.
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- “Swag” necklace - Viren Bhagat; Bhagat, Mumbai, 2011; platinum, pearls, diamonds- Private collection
Lenders to the exhibition include the al-Sabah Collection, the British Museum, the Doha Museum of Islamic Art, the Khalili Collection, the Musée Barbier-Mueller, and the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as the world’s greatest jewellery houses such as Cartier, Chaumet, Mauboussin and Van Cleef & Arpels. The 21st century is represented by two of India’s leading jewellery houses – Munnu Kasliwal’s creations for The Gem Palace and Bhagat – both famous for their exquisite designs, fine craftsmanship and consummate glamour.
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- Pendant - India, Mughal dominions, late 16th century; gold, baroque pearl, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, blue glass - Private collection
India: Jewels that Enchanted the World is the joint undertaking of the State Museums of Moscow Kremlin, headed by Dr Elena Gagarina, and the Indo-Russian Jewellery Foundation, founded by diamond and jewellery connoisseur Alex Popov. The exhibition has been conceived by Dr Gagarina and Alex Popov who brought together scholars and enthusiasts from India, UK, Switzerland and the USA to realise this ambitious project. Presented in two beautiful spaces, The Belfry and the One-Pillar Hall, the pieces are arranged thematically in sections relating to regions and periods, and according to typology and sources of inspiration. For many centuries, the jewels and gemstones of India have stunned the world and this exhibition explores the history of this rich heritage and the continuity of design, artistic sensibility and craftsmanship.
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- Necklace Cartier, Paris, 1925; platinum, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds; length: Siegelson Collection, New York
India: Jewels that Enchanted the World celebrates five hundred years of superb design and outstanding craftsmanship: a tapestry of fairy tales, stories of royal rivalries and intrigues, all told against a background of the colourful fabrics, and the smells and sounds of India’s bazaars. Through the display of exquisite jewels and jewelled objects, it conjures up the beauty and refinement of Indian taste that has enchanted the world for thousands of years.
