Borobudur Lotus, a New Perspective on Jewelry Inspired by Ancient Art
GeoArt by Cynthia Gale has just launched a new collection in sterling silver and bronze, Borobudur Lotus. Inspired by the largest Buddhist Monument in the world, it is located on the Indonesian island of Java. The temple was built around 750 AD and completely finished 75 years later. Vacant and hidden for many years under volcanic ash from Mount Merapi until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century, it has inspired a beautiful new collection that draws from both the aerial view of the monument and one of the beautiful lotuses carved within the stone.
Many believe the aerial view of Borobudur takes the shape of a lotus, the Buddhist symbol. Researchers believe Borobudur symbolically depicts the path of a Buddhist from samsara to nirvana. Also known as the gigantic stone textbook of Buddhism, Borobudur illustrates the life of Buddha and his teachings. It has ten floors; the first through the sixth floors are square and the seventh through tenth floors are round. Each floor replicates the Buddhist’s universe divided into three levels: Kamadhatu (desire), Ruphadatu (forms), and Arupadhatu (formlessness).
Says Cynthia of her inspiration for the collection, “During one of my many production trips to Java, I made the pilgrimage to Borobudur with my husband and business partner, Glenn,along with our children, Isabelle and Ian. This extraordinary piece of Asian history is considered by many to be one of the many wonders of the world! The mere size of the temple was breathtaking as we climbed the Buddhist path to the top of the monument. Once there, we touched the feet of the Stupa-encased, large scale Buddha statues for luck. The various stone carvings and numerous repeat patterns throughout Borobudur’s winding paths married layers of ancient aestheticism to geometric modernism. Buddhist traditions come alive through Borobudur Lotus, where bronze meets sterling silver to form a timeless collection rooted in deep, spiritual meaning.”
Borobudur Lotus jewelry reflects the temple’s perseverance throughout centuries, from the stupas within the complex to the lotus itself. Representing the handsome wonder and beauty of new world renewal and formation, the collection has nine earrings, three statement rings, stackable cuffs, three elegant t-shirt necklaces and two stunning statement pieces, the lotus necklace and the Borobudur locket. The locket has a quote from Buddha, “Your work is to discover your world and then with all you heart give yourself to it.”
To purchase select styles, visit www.geoartnyc.com under the What’s Hot section, or call one of the many retail locations which carry GeoArt, as listed on the website. For inquires regarding this release, contact Olga Gonzalez at 888.436.2781.
About Us: GeoArt by Cynthia Gale specializes in artisan-crafted sterling silver jewelry. Her signature collections are licensing partnerships with over fifteen of the nation’s top museums and cultural institutions and the GeoArt by Cynthia Gale line has evolved from ideas reflecting the rich cultural diversity of New York City and Cynthia’s passion for it. Our philosophy is simple: to create exquisite, quality sterling silver jewelry designs inspired by art and the world around us.
GeoArt by Cynthia Gale
8 East 36th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212.481.1845 Fax: 212.481.5296 Toll Free: 888.436.2781 Web: www.geoartnyc.com
