The Allure of Adornment, a 5000 year old tradition: Indian Treasures at the Victoria & Albert Museum 

27 november 2015

LOCATION: CHRISTIE'S SOUTH KENSINGTON
85 OLD BROMPTON ROAD
LONDON SW7 3LD

From nomadic war lords of the silk trading routes to the Mughal Courts, jewels, gemstones and pearls have been used to represent wealth, power and status, as symbols of political aspirations and desires  – as well as love – through the centuries.The importance of jewellery in the Indian subcontinent has never waned with its origins buried in antiquity. The wearing of jewellery has a strong ritual significance and worshipping deities adorned with precious stones in temples is said to cure a multitude of ills and be a great influence for good. With the exchange of ideas governed by the trading routes we will discover how the combination of East and West cultures have influenced jewellery designs of yesterday and observe how gems and jewellery play an important role in Indian culture today. 

Following the morning lecture, participants will enjoy a delicious light lunch in the Christie’s South Kensington boardroom.
Followed by a visit to see the V&A exhibition Bejewelled Treasures: the Al Thani Collection.

We will have the opportunity to see spectacular jewels and object d’art that are part of a private single owner collection, from ancient Mughal jades to dazzling diamond turban ornaments we will be taken on a journey where East meets West and learn how Indian design had such a dramatic effect on European jewellery houses of the 20th century. The exhibition, which is part of the V&A India Festival concludes with examples of contemporary Indian inspired jewels of the 21st century.           

This wonderful day will draw to a close with a Champagne reception.

For more information and to apply CLICK HERE