When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection

The Society is delighted to organize a private viewing of Asia Society Hong Kong Center's second exhibition – When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection, with Gallery Manager, Dominique Chan.

This exhibition celebrates the dazzling beauty and awe-inspiring technical craftsmanship of Indian jewelry. Curated by art historian Dr. Molly Emma Aitken, it features more than 160 jewelry pieces from Beningson's personal collection. Divided into two realms of experience – Women's Jewelry and Devotional Jewelry, the collection includes exquisite bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and hair ornaments from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

In Indian culture, jewelry is more than mere decorative objects and indicators of social status. They identify one's regional origin, religious affiliation, marital status, or even allegiance to a certain king. The title, When Gold Blossoms refers to the strong preference for gold in South Indian jewelry, as well as the nature-inspired designs. This is remarkably different from jewelry of North India, which shows predominantly curvilinear shapes and is adorned mainly with precious and semi-precious stones.

Do join us for a rich visual feast and a deeper understanding of the vibrant cultural and artistic traditions of India.