2014-02-13

Hyderabad : Taj Khazana in collaboration with The Great Eastern Home has conceptualizeda one-of-a-kind event to showcase an eclectic ensemble of fine furniture, vibrant art and stylish home accents.

The event, branded ‘The Grand Trunk Show’ is kickstarted today at Taj Falaknuma Palace, Engine Bowli, Falaknuma and will go on till 18th February, 2014. The Grand Trunk Show epitomizes the refined sensibility that is the hallmark of Taj Khazana, and an eclectic aesthetic that defines The Great Eastern Home’s brand philosophy, and presents discerning audiences a window into the finer things in life.

It is the first time The Great Eastern Home is organizing a show outside Mumbai which has a huge showroom in Mumbai. It has the unique and rare collection of 20,000 Furnitures pieces.

It showcases 1623 unique and rare royal furniture. Some of them are original and other are reproduced.  This furniture is collected from countries like England, France, China, Burma, Italy and others.

Starting from Taj Flaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, it will travel to select Taj Hotels.  Soon it will take place at  the Taj Mahal Hotel, in New Delhi from 8th March to 15th March 2014 and simultaneously at the Taj Palace, New Delhi from 12th to 15th March 2014.

The highlight of The Grand Trunk Show is the collection that has been specially curated to complement the stylistic influences of the locations where it will be on display.

For instance, the showcase at Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, is bringing together period antique and reproduction furniture in diverse styles ranging from Rococo to French and Italian to Art Nouveau as well as Chinese and Japanese-inspired styles. Punctuating the splendor of the Palace and its gardens will be signature pieces such as a magnificent ‘howdah’ from the Raj era, an opulent Chinese Bed, and many more. It has made five signature pieces for the show.

Dr. Anurag Kanoria, CEO and  The Owner of The Great Eastern Home holds a Master’s Degree in Aesthetics and Doctorate in Literature with Aesthetics as a specialisation thus, giving him an edge in furniture design. The Furniture has been his special interest right from his early childhood.  He has been in this business of rare, antique and royal furniture for the past 20 years. India has 5 Howdahs.  Howdahs are  a carriage which is positioned on the back of an elephant, or occasionally some other animal such as camels, used most often in the past to carry wealthy people, kings or for use in hunting or warfare. Out of total five Howdahs, he has collected five of them.  He restored them and own them.  The Howdah which is on display during the Grand Trunk Show is one of them.

These are priceless artistic furniture.  This Howdah was built to commemorate the victory of East India during the India Mutiny of 1857, which was followed by the institution of direct rule by the British Crown in place of the East India Company administration.  After declaring sovereignty, the Raj undertook a complete restructuring of hierarchy. In, 1858, the Duke of Bukingham was appointed Governor of Madras, and this is one of the original five Howdahs commissioned for ceremonial use in the State and the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi. Shaped like a ship, and painted a rich green colour edged with gold, the carvings consist of a rope moulding running around the body and encircling the Duke’s monogram at the sides, above which are two rigers couchant. On the front is the Royal coat of arms, surmounted by an Imperial crown. On the stern are the ducal coronet and escutcheons from His Grace’s shield, while carved dolphins embellish the base.  Built in the year 1858 by the Madras based Simpson and Co., this historical piece is now in the Collection of The Great Eastern Home.

Dr. Kanoria doesn’t know where the fifth Howdah is.  His dream is to collect Old Chinese Furniture.  Though he has a great collection of antique and unique furniture, he personally likes mirrors of the bye gone era.  European furniture is far more superior than any other furniture he said.

Some of the other furniture units on display include Rukish Side Table, 120years old Italian Sofa, Marble Coffee Table, Italian Chairs, Chinese Opinum Bed, French Desk, English Bar, Screen of Mother Pearl, Copper Drum Table, Wing Chair, Consoles, Spanish Dining Set, 300 years old French Tapestry etc.

Another highlight is the Side Board, one of the oldest European Furniture piece in India.

Furniture connects to history. I like knowing history behind furniture, Dr. Kanoria says.

How does he collect them?  I collect them from private collectors, private dealers and participate in auctions, he said.

To accentuate the fine living concept, there is an exquisite line of home décor products such as table and floor lamps, chandeliers, tableware, glassware and an exclusive range of items crafted from pewter.

Invitees and guests can also look forward to a cutting-edge artistic experience, as they get to view a selection of paintings by promising young Indian artists known for their distinctive content and style. Site-contextual installations that blur the boundaries between furniture and art will also be part of the display.

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