"Rings Around the World" Exhibition and Catalogue
Accompanied by a publication by Drs. Sandra Hindman and Beatriz Chadour-Sampson “Rings Around the World” explores the eternal forms, inspirations, and aesthetics of finger rings across many cultures throughout history, with over forty rings deriving from China, the Middle East, Europe, and America. Covering over four millennia, from the Bronze Age to the present day, the exhibition will also feature pieces by celebrated contemporary jewelry artists Wallace Chan and Giovanni Corvaja.
Organized chronologically, the catalogue will include scholarly descriptions of each ring. It will also call attention to links between forms, periods, and cultures. For example:
*Renaissance Posy Rings from England inscribed with sentimental expressions find their parallel in a Chinese jade philosopher’s ring with an inscription “Quit Alcohol.”
*Included are rings of many periods and different origins that adapt forms from monumental media (sculpture in an Art Nouveau Ring and architecture in an Arts and Crafts ring and a Jewish Wedding Ring).
*Magic and belief in superior beings is reflected in Egyptian faience rings (which also resemble repousse rings of the early European Renaissance) and a Sumatran astrological ring.
These are just a few examples of some of the fascinating associations the exhibition and catalogue evoke between objects.
This all-encompassing exhibition will open in London (hosted by Sam Fogg, 15D Clifford Street) from 2nd to 11th November and travel to Les Enluminures New York (23 East 73rd Street, NYC 10021), from 17th November to 3rd December 2016.
