As London’s V&A spotlights Mughal-era design, Santi Jewels tells of its enduring relevance
‘The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence’ is about to open at London’s V&A. Here, Mughal jewellery expert and Santi Jewels founder Krishna Choudhary tells us of the influence the dynasty holds today
During its golden age, the Mughal dynasty, at its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries, stretched from Kabul, today in Afghanistan, to the borders of the Deccan sultanates, from Gujarat in the west to present-day Bangladesh in the east. It marked an incredible period of artistic achievement, now celebrated in a major exhibition at London's V&A, ‘The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence’, which spotlights art, culture and objects produced throughout the prolific period.
Mughal jewellery’s ongoing influence
It marks a significant moment for designers who continue to be influenced by the rich aesthetic of the Mughal Court, most notably for founder of Mayfair-based Santi Jewels, Krishna Choudhary, who continues to work with Mughal stones today. Many jewels in the Choudhary family collection are reminiscent of the jewellery and bejewelled objects throughout the exhibition, and feature an array of stones, from Golconda diamonds to Colombian emeralds and spinels, sapphires and natural pearls.
‘Mughal jewellery was an important part of the Mughal iconography, but it was not the only expression of the emperors' fine taste,’ says Choudhary, who is one of the exhibition’s supporters. ‘The Mughals made India their home, and to ensure they didn’t miss their roots in Persia, their environment was built to resemble paradise, where everything was beyond the imagination of common men. Whether it was a little jewelled ink set, a large jewelled throne, or a tent made out of gold silk, they were decorated with the most exquisite stones and materials. Visitors would get to step into that paradise.’
It is a heritage that has influenced Choudhary's own work, particularly in the tributes he pays to the role of a gem-cutter: ‘These stones are an expression of how a cutter elevated the experience of looking at a true gem from nature, refining, cutting and carving it to the preference of an emperor,’ he says. ‘They are extremely special to me, and I take it as a huge responsibility to bring them into our times in a justifiable manner.’
Choudhary continues to look to these heritage gems in his designs for Santi Jewels today. ‘The traditional jewellery-making in India peaked in the 17th century, and we cannot add to it. However, my passion has always been to reflect the ideology behind these patterns with the best craftsmanship of our times. When the Mughal motifs are reflected in unconventional materials, they strike a chord. The symmetry and geometrical patterns take us back to the Mughal era, but the unconventionality and juxtaposition of gems and materials bring us to the present and make us think of the future.’
‘The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence’ is at the V&A from 9 November 2024 – 5 May 2025
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
London bar Bauhaus Warehaus is a factory by day, drinking den by night
Mixologist of the moment Remy Savage shakes up the world of cocktail-making with a hardworking sibling to A Bar with Shapes for a Name, his Bauhaus-inspired bar enterprise in east London
By Neil Ridley Published
-
Copper piping turns contemporary lighting: the twist in JamesPlumb’s designs at Gallery Fumi
Design studio JamesPlumb presents sculptural copper chandeliers and floor lights in its solo exhibition 'Rooted' at Gallery Fumi (until 25 January 2025)
By Ali Morris Published
-
Circling back: Lars Tunbjörk's uncanny office photography is revisited in a new book
First published in 2001 and long since sold out, 'Office' is revisited this month by the publisher Loose Joints, released with a second volume shot in Los Angeles, the previously unpublished LA Office
By Zoe Whitfield Published
-
Discover the fantastical jewellery world of Castro NYC in London
Carpenters Workshop Jewellery celebrates the work of Castro NYC with a London exhibition
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Art takes London: Tiffany & Co, Damien Hirst and artists take over Selfridges' windows
Four British contemporary artists celebrate Tiffany & Co's pioneering history with a series of storied window displays
By Anne Soward Published
-
Self-Portrait launches first jewellery collection
Self-Portrait rethinks traditional motifs in its first jewellery collection, turning the feminine flounces of the bow into chic, contemporary pieces
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Seiko shines a light on conceptual Japanese watch design
Seiko’s Power Design Project 2024 at Japan House London explores watchmaking potential with seven ‘incredibly specialised watches’
By James Gurney Published
-
Van Cleef & Arpels' immersive London exhibition takes visitors inside the watchmaking world
Van Cleef & Arpels’ exhibition, ‘Poetry of Time’, at South Kensington’s Cromwell Place gallery, traces the early days of the maison
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Michèle Lamy and Loree Rodkin’s zodiac jewellery is on show at Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Michèle Lamy and Loree Rodkin’s zodiac jewellery, ‘HunRod Gold’, is at Carpenters Workshop Gallery, London, alongside furniture by Rick Owens
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Bulgari welcomes BAFTA 2024 with a London show of its era-spanning film-star jewellery
For BAFTA 2024, Bulgari spotlights its rich cinematic connections in a jewellery exhibition at its Bond Street store
By Caragh McKay Published
-
Maria-Sole Ferragamo reveals new jewellery at PAD London
Maria-Sole Ferragamo and Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery have created jewellery collection ‘Trame’, featuring upcycled brass
By Mazzi Odu Published