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| [ Collateral Exhibition ] |
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Beyond Body Decoration. Jewellery from Ganjam's Heritage collection
Lucca Preziosa 2006 again intends to expand the scenario, both geographically and culturally, by hosting a selection of 19th-century Indian jewellery from the Heritage collection of the prestigious Indian company Ganjam.
Long necklaces, head ornaments linked to marriage rituals, forearm bracelets, belts…: these objects of great importance are witness to the technical ability and craftsmanship of their creators, and highlight the central role that jewellery had and continues to have in Indian society. An integral part of daily life, worn by women, men and children, jewellery has a position beyond purely aesthetic gratification: in its forms, in the motifs portrayed and in the act of wearing on the body, it represents the essence of Indian spirituality, sending clear messages via a codified series of legible signs.
Jewellery is recognized as having the power to maintain body and mind in equilibrium and harmony; its forms are designed to be worn on all the joints and pressure points so as to stimulate the flow of vital energy. The human body takes on absolute relevance: in both the contemporary research works and the creations from Indian tradition, we see the semiotic complexity of jewellery, which refuses to be reduced to pure ornamental accessory and highlights aspects linked to the decision to “adorn”, to clothe one’s own body – one’s own ego – and display it to the world
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