Images are available via the following links:
https://vmfa.box.com/s/a02f707144f59b08497e
https://vmfa.box.com/s/bae594090638627244fe
In recognition of Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings, open through August 19, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts transformed its shop into an Indian bazaar and created small plates, entrees and cocktails for Amuse Restaurant.
The granddaughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala – featured in the exhibition – is a jewelry maker whose pieces are prominent in the VMFA Shop. Jyotsna Singh designs necklaces, earrings and bracelets with semi-precious stones and metals. Her company’s name, Manjusha, means “treasure chest of jewels,” and a variety of statement pieces is now available to Richmond shoppers.
Additionally, silver trays influenced by Chippendale designs of the 18th century are available, as well as serving platters, bowls, pitchers, jeweled picture frames, decorative umbrellas, a wide variety of bangles and books and more, with items for every budget.
Amuse Restaurant is offering traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary flair. The Maharaja-inspired meals include naan bread pork belly pizza, P.E.I. mussels with coconut milk and Thai red chilies, lamb vindaloo with basmati rice and house-made paneer with local mushrooms. Specialty drinks include The Amuse Pimm’s Cup, a take on the British classic; The Nirvana made with Mount Gay and Cruzan Gold Rums, tamarind syrup and grenadine, topped with pineapple foam; and Avery Brewery’s “Maharaja: Imperial IPA,” among others.
About Bhupinder and Jyotsna Singh
Nearly 90 years ago, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala commissioned Cartier to turn his abundant cache of loose stones to make exquisite jewelry for his crown jewel collection, including an emerald belt buckle of diamonds and gold and featuring a massive Muhgul-period carved emerald dating back to 1600-1700. Jyotsna Singh, the granddaughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, today carries forth the royal legacy with her international brand of jewelry, Manjusha. Jyotsna’s fascination with jewelry started at an early age, as she was exposed to the magnificence of the royal family jewels. Drawing on her rich family heritage, Jyotsna blends generations of exquisite intricate design in materials that make them more wearable and affordable, using semi-precious stones set in gold-plated silver.
About Amuse Restaurant
New menus premiere at Amuse the first Friday of every month. In addition, Amuse is offering prix fixe dinners from 5-6 p.m. every Thursday and Friday evening for $28 per person. VMFA members continue to enjoy a 10 percent discount. Drink specials are offered every Thursday and Friday. The full Amuse menu can be viewed here: http://vmfa.museum/Amuse/.
Guests can make reservations online or call 804.340.1580. VMFA members enjoy a 10 percent discount.
Lunch (daily) 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tapas(daily) 2:30- 4:30 p.m.
Dinner (Thurs + Fri) 5-8:30 p.m.
About the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
With a collection of art that spans the globe and more than 5,000 years, plus a wide array of special exhibitions, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is recognized as one of the top comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection encompasses more than 24,000 works of art, including one of the nation’s finest collections of American Art, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and the largest public collection of Fabergé outside Russia. VMFA is home to acclaimed collections of English Silver and Ancient, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British Sporting and Modern & Contemporary art, as well as renowned African, East Asian and South Asian holdings. In May 2010, VMFA opened its doors to the public after a transformative expansion, the largest in its 75-year history. Programs include educational activities and studio classes for all ages, plus fun after-hours events. VMFA’s Statewide Partnership program includes traveling exhibitions, artist and teacher workshops, and lectures across the Commonwealth. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. For additional information, telephone 804-340-1400 or visit www.vmfa.museum.
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