Jaipur Watch Company Keeps The Art Of Raja Ravi Varma- India’s First Modernist Alive!
5 min read
In a unique convergence of art and luxury, the Jaipur Watch Company launched the Raja Ravi Varma collection during a splendid experience in the royal city of Jaipur on the 5th and 6th of August, 2023. This collaboration between Jaipur Watch Company and Raja Ravi Varma’s Temple of Art marked a momentous occasion for both brands, celebrating Raja Ravi Varma's 175th birth anniversary year and Jaipur Watch Company’s 10th anniversary.
Jaipur Watch Company has been around for a decade and has slowly transitioned from a micro-brand to a macro-brand. It also has a manufacturing unit in Jaipur. Gaurav Mehta, Founder of Jaipur Watch Company said, “It’s not been an easy journey for our watches are in a risky price segment but it’s all been fulfilling. My desire to explore divinity in watches led me to discover Raja Ravi Varma’s art and I knew I had to keep it alive. Additionally, receiving funding from Amit Jain from Shark Tank has also given us an added impetus. We are now looking to open 2 new stores in Rambagh Palace and Pune. By next year, we aim to open 20 physical stores across India.”
The launch event was not just about the unveiling of a new collection; it was a comprehensive exploration of Raja Ravi Varma's art and legacy. The collection, which comprises limited edition watches with only 112 pieces available, pays homage to one of India's most influential artists and visionaries. Raja Ravi Varma, often considered India’s first modernist artist, introduced oil-on-canvas paintings to the country and left an indelible mark on its artistic landscape.
The story of Raja Ravi Varma
In Kerala's Trivandrum district, a nine-year-old child painted elephants and horses on temple walls in 1857. One of the most prominent artists at the time and the recipient of the boy's maid's complaints about him, Raja Raja Varma, was able to see the boy's potential and began guiding him. A well-known British artist named Theodore Jensen visited the Travancore State in 1868, and Raja Ravi Varma was introduced to him. He quickly learned the skill of blending colors through observation, which he eventually perfected. As they say, the rest is history.
Varma started out by charging up to Rs 1,500 for each portrait, making him the most expensive portrait painter of his day. Later, he produced a number of classics and was supported by many royal families, including those of Mysore, Baroda, and Udaipur. Varma founded India's first lithographic press in the late 19th century, which enabled widespread manufacturing of his well-known paintings. He consequently rose to prominence as one of India's top artists.
Sachin Kaluskar, a curator of Raja Ravi Varma’s olegraphs shared an anecdote with us. “My passion for collecting his art was born out of guilt. Having completed my master's in Journalism and being in Baroda, I was unaware of Raja Ravi Varma’s art until I received his paintings as a gift. The name sparked a connection and that’s when the collection started. I’ve conducted several exhibitions where these oleographs are on sale/ display, keeping his art alive. From the many oleographs, I possess there are about 150 which I would never sell - the favourite one from those being Narakvaas.”
Recreating Ravi Varma's iconic paintings on the watch dial required meticulous attention to detail. Jaipur Watch Company partnered with the Kilimanoor Palace Art Trust and obtained high-resolution images of the artworks. Using a specialized machine imported from Japan, the brand masterfully transferred the intricate colors and tones of the paintings onto the watch face, ensuring an authentic representation of the artist's work. Each watch in the collection comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Mr. Rama Varma Thampuran, adding an extra layer of significance and value.
Instead of putting the design on the watch dial, they chose to do so on the sapphire crystal's interior surface. More clarity and less distortion are produced as a result. They added a plain white enamel dial to the back to help increase the painting's visibility. This 40mm watch has a Miyota movement and costs Rs. 65,000.
Sachin Kaluskar added, “Raja Ravi Varma was a true disruptor who paved the way Indians worshipped. He democratized art which was in the hands of few in the European age. Through his art form, he has shown a culmination of emotions and changed the mindset of women being objectified!”
The launch event, spanning two immersive days, took attendees on a journey through Raja Ravi Varma's rich heritage and artistic achievements. The experience began with a traditional welcome by Chenda Malam drummers from Dwarka Kala Samithi, setting the tone for the cultural extravaganza that followed. Renowned Carnatic musician and singer, Rama Varma Thampuram, graced the event with a mesmerizing performance, infusing the atmosphere with art and music.
The culinary aspects of the event were equally enchanting. Chefs from Kilimanoor Palace and Taj Jai Mahal Palace collaborated to present a sumptuous Sadya, a traditional Kerala feast- a first for the King’s Palace. Fusing culinary traditions from different parts of India added a unique flavor to the occasion. Jaipur Watch Company was also the first to host a memorable evening of polo match and Rajasthani High Tea at the luxurious Taj Jai Mahal Palace adding a touch of regal elegance to the celebration.
The experience was further enriched by a historic tour of Jaipur’s City Palace, providing participants with insights into the lesser-explored facets of the palace's history. An immersive Rajasthani-themed dinner amid the scenic Aravalli range brought the cultural journey to a delightful conclusion.
Beyond the visual and gastronomic delights, the event featured insightful talks that delved into Raja Ravi Varma’s profound impact on Indian art, his influence on jewelry and weaving traditions that continue to endure in the 21st century, and his resurgence among collectors and connoisseurs.
