Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

Zari

18th Century | Lucknow | Silver with Enamel

A traditional Zari, a vessel used for storing and pouring holy water (Tirth) during religious
rituals. This 18th-century example from Lucknow is crafted in silver and decorated with
characteristic blue-and-green Mughal-style enamel work, featuring stylised floral and
foliate motifs.

The vessel reflects the refined craftsmanship and decorative traditions of
18th-century Lucknow.

23/08/2026

Maharashtrian Nath
20th Century
Region: Satara and Pune, Maharashtra
Associated Areas: Bhor and Velha, Pune District

This traditional Maharashtrian Nath is a distinctive form of nose ornament associated with
women from the Satara and Pune regions of Maharashtra, particularly the Bhor and
Velha areas of Pune district.

Characterized by its elaborate arrangement of pearls, gold elements, and red gemstones, the
Nath reflects the rich jewellery traditions of rural and regional Maharashtra. Its clustered
composition and intricate craftsmanship are characteristic of traditional Maharashtrian
ornamentation of the 20th century.

22/08/2026

Puneri Peshwai Nath (Brahmani Nath)
Period: 20th Century
Region: Pune, Maharashtra, India

The Puneri Peshwai Nath, also known as the Brahmani Nath, is a distinctive traditional
Maharashtrian nose ornament associated with the cultural and jewellery traditions of Pune. It
is named Brahmani Nath after its characteristic curved form, which resembles the shape of
the English numeral “9.”

The Nath is composed of a delicate gold framework embellished with pearls and coloured
gemstones. The graceful arrangement of pearls, together with the central gemstone and
accents of red and green, gives the ornament its distinctive and elegant appearance.

Traditional Maharashtrian Naths can be broadly distinguished by their characteristic forms.

The Maratha Nath generally has a more straight and compact profile, whereas the
Brahmani Nath has a distinctive curved, nine-shaped profile. This difference in form is an
important feature in identifying the two traditional styles.

The Brahmani Nath reflects the refined jewellery aesthetics associated with Pune and the
Peshwa period, and represents the craftsmanship, regional identity, and ceremonial traditions
of Maharashtrian jewellery.

16/08/2026

Something new is taking shape at Zapurza Museum of Art and Culture. ✨

On Independence Day, we opened the doors to Collective – Studio for Print and Contemporary Practices — a space created for artists to experiment, explore and spend time with the process of making.

The evening brought together artists, educators, designers and art enthusiasts, with Ajit Kaka Gadgil, Sudhakar Chavan, Prof. Dr. Milind Dhobale, Raju Sutar and Vaishali Oak joining us for the inauguration.

Collective is also supported by an Advisory Committee of artists — Rahul Wagh, Prasad Nikumbh, Priya Bambal, Tanvi Chaudhary, Saurabh Talekar and Laxman Gore.

At the heart of the studio is the joy of making — experimenting with print, learning from others, trying something unexpected, and letting an idea take form.

With a dedicated printmaking studio, practice residencies, opportunities for artists and students to connect with practitioners, and the Zapurza Studio Archive, we hope Collective grows into a space where new ideas find their way onto paper — and beyond.

Here’s to making, experimenting and creating together. 🖤

15/08/2026

A museum is more than a place that preserves the past—it is a space to learn, question, create and imagine.

On Independence Day, we celebrate not only the freedom that shaped our nation, but also the freedom to learn, question, create and imagine.

At Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture, this spirit of freedom is carried forward every day by our team. From caring for the collections and welcoming visitors to organising programmes our staff helps turn the museum into a living space for learning and discovery.

This Independence Day, we celebrate the people behind the museum—the team that keeps its doors open, its stories alive and its purpose moving forward.

Freedom gave us a nation.
Culture gives that nation a memory.
And people keep that memory alive.

🇮🇳 Happy 80th Independence Day from all of us at Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture.