The Art of Adornment: A Showcase of Modern Heritage Jewelry and Miniature Paintings from India

Page 1


THE ART OF

Adornment

A SHOWCASE OF MODERN HERITAGE JEWELRY AND MINIATURE PAINTINGS FROM INDIA

KAPOOR GALLERIES AND IVAR JEWELRY

presents

THE

ART OF

Adornment

This Fall / Winter season, Kapoor Galleries and Ivar Jewelry are delighted to partner together to present The Art of Adornment —a collaborative exhibition that honors the shared heritage of craftsmanship across mediums, showcasing modern heritage jewelry alongside miniature paintings from India.

From Kapoor Galleries’ collection, the exhibition features exquisite Ragamala paintings—translated from Sanskrit as “garland of ragas”— which depict a range of musical melodies known as ragas. These works, along with depictions of Nayikas (heroine) and royal figures adorned in intricate jewelry and courtly finery, embody the grace and spirituality of Indian artistic traditions.

Complementing these paintings is Ivar’s refined jewelry collection designed by Ritika Ravi. These pieces are crafted to be cherished for generations and each jewel is brought to life in workshops across India, where master artisans employ traditional techniques passed down through the ages. Among these are Polki, the use of raw, uncut diamonds first introduced to India by the Mughal dynasty, which lend the jewelry a soft, regal luster; and enamel, a vibrant Mughal-era art form now reimagined in contemporary hues.

The Art of Adornment will be on view at the Ivar’s NYC boutique, located 29 East 73rd Street, with a VIP Preview on September 5th and open to the public from September 6th through December 20, 2025. Visitors are warmly invited to explore this celebration of antique art and modern heritage jewelry from India presented by Kapoor Galleries and Ivar Jewelry together.

SEPTEMBER 05 - DECEMBER 20, 2025

VIP PREVIEW: SEPTEMBER 05, 2025

29 E 73RD ST, NEW YORK, NY

01 (cover)

A Nayika Preparing to Meet Her Beloved Kangra, India, mid-19th century

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Image: 7 2/3 x 5 in. (19.5 x 12.7 cm.)

Folio: 10 1/2 x 7 in. (26.7 x 17.8 cm.)

Provenance:

Christie’s New York, 6 July 1978, lot 64. The Collection of Dr. Alec Simpson.

02 (cover)

Ring Zero 3 - Limited Edition

This limited edition ring set with a Zambian Emerald in the center in both classic and elegant. Ring set in 18k white gold with 1ct Emerald and 4.18cts polki diamonds.

Diamond and Enamel Earrings and Chain

Maiden with a Mirror

Kangra, India, circa 1810

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Image: 4 7/8 x 3 5/8 in. (12.4 x 9.2 cm.)

Folio: 6 x 4 7/8 in. (15.2 x 12.4 cm.)

Provenance:

The Collection of Hellen and Joe Darion, New York, by February 1968 (no. 39).

A Nayika Writing a Note

Kangra, India, circa 1810-1830

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Image: 8 1/4 x 6 in. (21 x 15.2 cm.)

Folio: 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (24.8 x 19.7 cm.)

Published: Sharma, Vijay. Painting Traditions of Kangra. p. 95.

Provenance:

The Collection of Hellen and Joe Darion, New York, by February 1968.

Pear Tanzanite and Polki Earrings

A Prince with a Falcon Kishangarh, 18th century

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper 9 x 5 ¾ in. (22.9 x 14.6 cm.)

Provenance:

The Collection of Helen and Joe Darion, New York, acquired from Lawners by February 1968 (no. 41).

08

Ring Zero 3 - Limited Edition

This limited edition ring set with a Sri Lankan Sapphire in the centre is both classic and elegant. Ring set in 18k white gold with 7.03cts sapphire and polki diamonds.

09

Ring Zero 3 - Limited Edition

This limited edition ring set with a tanzanite in the center is both classic and elegant. Ring set in 18k white gold with 8.59cts tanzanite and polki diamonds

Tanzanite Drop Earrings and Necklace

Illustration to a Ragamala Series: Tilangi Ragini Kangra, Rajasthan, India, circa 1800

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Image: 9 x 6 ½ in. (22.9 x 16.5 cm.)

Folio: 10 ¾ x 8 in. (27.3 x 20.3 cm.)

Provenance:

Private English collection.

12 - 13

14 (on left)

Illustration to a Ragamala Series: Srihathi Ragini Kangra, Rajasthan, India, circa 1800

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Image: 9 1/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.2 x 16.8 cm.)

Folio: 10 ¾ x 8 in. (27.3 x 20.3 cm.)

Provenance:

Tanzanite and Diamond Earrings

A Princess Enjoying Paan on a Terrace Guler, India, circa 1790–1800

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Image: 7 3/8 x 7 in. (18.7 x 17.8 cm.)

Folio: 9 1/8 x 8 3/8 in. (23.2 x 21.3 cm.)

Provenance: Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1985.

16

Necklace Zero 1

This elegant necklace is a combination of half dome polki clusters, resulting in a sophisticated laid-back look. Necklace in 18k yellow gold with 17.45cts Uncut Diamonds.

16

Ring Zero 1

A polki half-ball cluster resting on an elegant band, this ring speaks of sparkle and grace.

Material: 18k Yellow Gold Stone: 2.11 cts uncut (Polki) diamonds

16

Earring Zero 5

This pair of polki half-ball cluster earrings are exquisite in their heirloom-like quality. Designed as part of the 10.18 Collection, the piece balances historical richness with modern minimalism. The uncut polki diamonds shimmer in their raw brilliance, set in a clean 18k yellow gold base that highlights their natural asymmetry.

Material: 18k Yellow Gold Stone: 6.68 cts of uncut (Polki) diamonds

Princess Strolling Across a Palace Terrace at Night

Lucknow, Awadh, India, circa 18th century

Gouache painting on paper heightened with gold leaf

Image: 7 1/8 x 4 7/8 in. (18.1 x 12.4 cm.)

Folio: 17 x 12 in. (43.2 x 30.5 cm.)

Provenance:

Doris Wiener Gallery, New York, September 30, 1969 (documentation available upon request).

Inspired by wanderlust and the spirit of discovery, Troubadour, a vibrant and whimsical collection, brings forth Ritika Ravi’s vision of joyous and easy-to-wear jewelry, using the best Indian enamel craft in combination with gold.

18

Whimsy Zero 3

The enamel motifs punctuate the chain’s gold chain with bursts of colour, giving the piece a lively yet refined energy. Ideal for stacking with other IVAR jewels to create your own layered story. Material 18K yellow gold & enamel

19

Whimsy Zero 1

There are pieces you wear and forget, and then there are pieces like Whimsy Zero 1—simple gold studs that can shift into something bolder. The detachable enamel jacket gives you the choice to keep it subtle or make it stand out.

Material 18K yellow gold & enamel

20

Whimsy Zero 2

With enamel motifs arranged along a fine gold chain, this bracelet captures a playful spirit while staying polished. An effortless addition to your collection, it’s the kind of piece you’ll reach for every day.

21

Whimsy Zero 4

A playful yet refined stackable ring crafted in enamel and gold. Featuring an organic pattern in vibrant hues, it’s designed to mix, match, and layer—however you please

Shah Jahan at a Jharokha Window

Mankot or Nurpur, India, mid-18th century

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper Image: 8 x 5 ½ in. (20.3 x 14 cm.)

Folio: 9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm.)

Provenance: Pal, Pratapaditya, Romance of the Taj Mahal (Los Angeles County Museum of Art: 1989), p. 234-236, no. 254.

Adornment

KAPOOR GALLERIES AND IVAR JEWELRY

For any inquiries regarding the paintings presented in this catalog, please reach out to Kapoor Galleries at info@kapoors.com.

For any inquries regarding the modern heritage jewelry presented in this catalog, please reach out to Ivar Jewelry at nyc@ivarjewelry.com.

SEPTEMBER 05 - DECEMBER 20, 2025

VIP PREVIEW: SEPTEMBER 05, 2025

29 E 73RD ST, NEW YORK, NY

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The Art of Adornment: A Showcase of Modern Heritage Jewelry and Miniature Paintings from India by Kapoor Galleries - Issuu