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Culture, the spur

Ganjam's "Ivy Leaf collection", which was displayed in the city, spoke volumes for the innovative skills of Japanese designer Kazuo Ogawa

"It is important to make jewellery that has soul in it, which will stay in the family for generations, and that's what we are trying to do," says Japanese jewellery designer Kazuo Ogawa of his collection for the Bangalore-based luxury jewellery brand Ganjam.

Kazuo Ogawa aka KO's remark says it all. Each creation, conceptualised after deep thought and elaborate discussion, is characterised by painstaking craftsmanship, perfect finish and the best raw materials. Ganjam, which has collaborated with the designer several times in the past (including when it launched platinum in India), facilitated a dekko at the "Ivy Leaf collection", the latest addition to the Kazuo Ogawa-Ganjam line, for Chennai's cognoscenti at an exhibition at Hotel Taj Coromandel recently).

"We felt jewellers in India were not offering what was available internationally. Ogawa's line is so different and special that we wanted to present it as an exclusive collection," says G. B. Umesh, director, Ganjam Nagappa and Son.

Inspired by Nature

Drawing inspiration from Nature, Ogawa's love for flora and fauna come to the fore in his work. His designs have a strong cultural significance and are rooted in tradition as well. Ivy, which symbolises growth, longevity and fidelity, is used as the leitmotif in the Ivy Leaf collection, which is put together by imaginatively combining textured gold with pearls and diamonds.

The attention to detail is remarkable. The designer has captured almost every single line and vein on the ivy leaf in his creations such as pendants, chains, rings and earrings. There is a stunning Egyptian collection, consisting of Egyptian coins with images of Gods engraved on them (reminds one of the Kasumalai) interspersed with turquoise, which is supposed to purify and protect one from evil spirits. An unusual broad bangle, more like an arm band, with Egyptian figurines on it and another piece in ebony and mother of pearl with traditional Islamic patterns and geometric designs reveal Ogawa's genius.

Ogawa's concern for the protection of rare birds finds expression in a collection called Wings of Love. The neck pieces in this collection look like paintings in gold and replicate images of birds in their natural habitat — perched on trees or in flight.

The Drop and Drape collection, as the name indicates, has a languorous quality and fluidity about it and a mirror finish to boot, all of which are not easily achieved in platinum.

In-house collection

Sharing space alongside Ogawa's creations are Ganjam's in-house collections such as Ikat (rubies and diamonds set in gold).

"The focus has shifted from looking at jewellery as a form of investment to wanting to have something different, of high quality that you enjoy wearing. Today women want their jewellery to stand out and be talked about," says Ogawa.

Says Suresh Subrahmanyan, Marketing Consultant, Ganjam Nagappa and Son: "Ganjam's mission is to elevate the creations to the status of a brand and make people say I want to own a Kazuo Ogawa piece."

Going by the collection that was on display, that day is certainly not far off.

SUDHA UMASHANKER

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