In 1914, this knife was used in the attempted murder of Georges Bezdjian’s father. How did his father escape, and how did Georges come to own this knife? Watch the video to hear Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian tell this incredible story of survival, and learn about two other daggers in the Museum’s collection.
Georges Bezdjian and his wife Elisa Bezdjian donated an extensive collection of Armenian jewelry to the Armenian Museum of America. These objects were on display from 2003-2011 in the exhibition, Silver, Saints & Stone. Historical pieces, primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries, contemporary pieces made in Soviet Armenia and the Diaspora, and works made by Bezdjian himself were featured in this extensive and elaborate presentation of Armenian craftsmanship.
Georges was born in Homs, Syria, and his family escaped the Genocide and migrated to Beirut, Lebanon. During Georges’ life, he opened jewelry businesses in Beirut, Lebanon, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Boston, Massachusetts. He was a noted jeweler in Boston, opening his business in 1966, and he was also an associate of the Armenian Museum. While studying objects, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian would sometimes request Georges’ assistance in analyzing jewelry and metalware including the ‘samovar’ that was featured in last week’s “Object Show and Tell.” Donated by Georges G. and Elisa Bezdjian