When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection
Orme Lewis Gallery
February 16, 2008 - May 11, 2008
This exhibition, organized by American Federation of the Arts, showcases the stunning beauty and intricate technical craftsmanship of Indian jewelry from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Primarily from south India, the works include rings, anklets, pendants for the hair, jeweled crowns, ivory combs and a gold throne for a deity. The works are predominately solid gold and often encrusted with rubies and other stones in geometric forms that exemplify the south Indian style. A small group of ancient artifacts also are included: sandstone seals and gold adornments dating back to the 2nd century BC.
A catalog published by Asia Society, New York, accompanies the exhibition.
Don't forget to join us for Indian Cultural Day on March 22nd to enjoy traditional and contemporary music, dance, fashion and food from different regions of this ancient country.
Left: Gold Chettiar "tali"(detail), Tamil Nadu, 19th century, 29 1/8 inches (length), Susan L. Beningson Collection (057.114). Center: Double-sided gold earrings with pearls(detail) Travancore, possibly 16th century.1 3/4 x 1 1/8 x 1/2 inches, each. Susan L. Beningson Collection (057.58) Right: Silver collyrium (kajal) container called "surmadani," with gilding(detail) Rajasthan, 18th century. 3 1/2 x 1 3/8 inches. Susan L. Beningson Collection (057.150)
The exhibition is organized by the Asia Society and Museum, New York. The national tour of the exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts. The national tour of this exhibition is made possible, in part, by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, with additional support from UMB Bank Arizona, n.a. and the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation Fund for Collection-Based Exhibitions at the American Federation of Arts. Promotional support for this exhibition has been provided by Valley India Times and India Association of Phoenix.
