Amit Kapoor of Saffronart on an upcoming exhibit of Indian temple jewelry at the Asia Society’s Hong Kong center

Gold earrings in the Shape of Cobras Image courtesy Asiasociety.org

Hong Kong: Opening this fall at the Asia Society’s newest center in Hong Kong is the exhibition ‘When Gold Blossoms’, featuring Indian jewelry the Susan L. Beningson Collection. As the Asia Society notes, the title of the show “refers to the strong preference for gold in South Indian jewelry…and explores the significance of ornamentation and adornment in Indian culture. The title is also a reference to the nature-inspired designs found on the jewelry, from ear studs each in the form of a lotus to armbands featuring petal and leaf weaving.”

Gold earrings in the Shape of Lotus Flowers.               Image courtesy Asiasociety.org

A Mango Shaped Nose Ring. Image courtesy Asiasociety.org

An Enameled Crown set with Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds. Image courtesy Asiasociety.org

Celebrating the intricate craftsmanship and design sensibility of Indian temple jewelry, this exquisite collection was previously exhibited at the Asia Society Museum in New York in 2004-05, in a show curated by Dr. Molly Emma Aitken. Included in this travelling exhibition are over 150 pieces of jewelry created primarily in South India as jewels for daily wear as well as offerings for deities in various temples. Displayed alongside the pieces will be vintage photographs illustrating the ways in which these jewels were worn and used.

This exhibition is a must visit for serious jewelry enthusiasts.