Bonhams auctions Anouska Hempel's South Indian jewelry collection


Bonhams auctions Anouska Hempel's South Indian jewelry collection

South Indian Hair Braid JewelryApril 19, 2019: It was a common tradition in South India to equate the braid and the serpent together to represent wealth and fertility. An impressive Repoussé gold hair braid ornament, set with rubies, dating from the 19th century, would have been worn by Hindu brides and Bharatnatyam dancers. It forms a part of the collection of beautiful South Indian Jewellery, belonging to the distinguished interior designer, Anouska Hempel.

Offered at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Sale on April 30 in London, the collection, represents a wealth of rare gold pieces from the 19th and 20thcentury. The splendid South Indian temple pieces, that can be seen in Lots 129-132, were often decorated with serpents and fine repoussé depictions of gods and mythical beasts. 

Anouska Hempel commented, "Having travelled and worked in Turkey and restored a small palace in Istanbul, this jewellery collection has influenced my lighting designs, tap designs and floor patterns. Gardens with Mughal touch and various other elements of design have come from this collection. Hopefully it will reach new owners with the same enthusiasm and excitement."

South Indian Wedding jewlery

Oliver White, Head of Bonhams Islamic and Indian sale, said, "We are delighted to offer this wonderful collection in our sale. It should be admired not only for its masterful craftmanship, but also as a representation of the social and religious belief systems of Southern India."

Anouska Hempel, a.k.a Lady Weinberg, is a prolific interior designer and hotelier, who has impressive projects in her name. From outfitting the magnificent stores of Van Cleef & Arpels and Louis Vuitton, to a yacht named Beluga, to palatial residences, Anouska Hempel has a keen and unique eye for design.

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