Five tiny silver perfume vials are nestled inside an ornate egg like contraption, sculpted with intricate half moons that open when pressed down upon. Though now empty, the vials once held perfume in powder form, to be delicately applied at one’s pulse points.
This is just one of the many painstakingly crafted antique gold and silver artefacts displayed at an exhibition by Nathella Sampath Chetty Jewellers in Anna Nagar as part of its Madras Day celebrations.
The exhibition holds, among other things, traditional jewellery that was in vogue more than half a century ago. Traditional oddiyanam, a thala billai (a hair ornament) in the shape of a cobra, antique butterfly sari pins, thanga poo for pooja rituals, make up the gold section of the exhibition. Notable is the Kempu addigai made of uncut rubies and a vajraharam made of solitaire diamonds that any bride would covet. A slate with a gold frame and a thanga balapam (Indian slate pencil) are a marvel.
The silver section is a child’s delight. An old fashioned bus, wooden elephants fashioned with silver ornaments, a tiny bear with even tinier bells with a mother of pearl handle are all lined up inside the glass case. A horn- shaped jewellery box with delicate clasps and intricate design draws one’s eyes immediately.
Taken from the family bureau, director Radhika Nathella says that they were personal items owned by her great grandmother and grandmother. “Some of the items are about 40 to 50 years old, while some of them are even older. There are pooja items, show pieces, jewellery; we pulled everything we had out of the cupboards,” she says. The gold and silver jewellery boxes, called thirumanai petty, are her favourites, she adds.
Photos of trophies and race cups made for various functions of films like Paavamannippu and Beta Beti are also on display. The exhibition is on till August 26.
Comments
0 comment