Women express desire for meenakari work
In the heart of luxury, the Zoya boutique, a renowned jewellery atelier from the Tata Group, has unveiled a unique collaboration with international jewellery designer Alice Cicolini. This limited edition collection, consisting of 19 pieces, showcases the art of meenakari enamelling, a technique that blends Persian origins with Indian royal patronage.
Meenakari, a form of enamelling famed in India, is a process where metal is decorated with powdered glass and other liquids before being fired in a kiln. The meenakars, skilled artisans who engrave enamelled colours on jewelled pieces with precision, have breathed life into this collection with their intricate designs.
The history of meenakari dates back to ancient Mediterranean civilizations, seeing significant development in Persian art before spreading to the Indian subcontinent with the Mughals. The art form was later perfected and popularized in Rajasthan, India. The name 'Meenakari' derives from 'mina' meaning paradise or heaven, and 'kari' meaning to do or place onto something, roughly translating to “placing paradise on an object”.
The significance of meenakari in Indian culture is profound. It became an integral and cherished tradition in Rajasthan, encouraged by patrons such as Raja Man Singh of Amber, who invited skilled Persian artisans to Jaipur, helping establish the craft locally. Meenakari jewelry is renowned for its elaborate and colorful patterns, geometric designs, and fine craftsmanship, symbolizing artistic heritage, luxury, and royal patronage in Indian history.
Today, meenakari remains a vibrant craft, both as a form of jewelry and decorative art, with museums like Sunita Shekhawat’s Museum of Minakari preserving and promoting this legacy.
This collaboration between Zoya and Alice Cicolini features enamel as the primary material, with uncut diamonds adding a touch of brilliance. The enamel in this collection is fired in a kiln, and the meenakars engrave the enamelled colours on jewelled pieces with precise hands, creating intricate and vibrant designs.
The simplistic strength of enamelling commands a double take at every glance, making this collection a stunning addition to any jewellery collection. The Zoya boutique's collaboration with Alice Cicolini is a testament to the enduring charm of meenakari enamelling and its rich cultural heritage.
As rain pours down in South Mumbai, the city's jewellery scene shines even brighter with this exquisite collection. The Zoya boutique's collaboration with Alice Cicolini represents a cross-cultural artistic legacy that celebrates detailed colour work and cultural symbolism, making it a must-see for any jewellery enthusiast.
The collaboration between Zoya and Alice Cicolini extends the artistic realm beyond jewellery, delving into realms of fashion-and-beauty with the use of enamel as the primary material. In addition, the home-and-garden sphere could also benefit from such intricate and vibrant enamelling designs, potentially supplementing unique decor pieces.
