Synopses & Reviews
India's rich tradition of jeweled arts has produced extravagant and opulent creations that range from ornaments for every part of the body to ceremonial court objects such as boxes, daggers, and thrones.and#160; Starting with the Mughal rulers of India (1526and#150;1858) and continuing to the present day, this artistic practice is characterized by an abundance of costly materials such as gold, ivory, jade, and precious stones of astounding size and quality, which artists have used to create unique and valuable works.
and#160;
Treasures from India presents 60 iconic works from the world-renowned Al-Thani collection, accompanied by a text that introduces readers to their significance within the history of Indian jeweled arts. Included are some of the earliest pieces created for the imperial Mughals in the 16th century, others made for Maharajahs of the 18th through 20th centuries, and later Indian-inspired works created by Cartier in the 20th century. These examples represent the range and scope of the finest expression of the jeweled arts in India, and stand among the highest expressions of Indian culture and artistry.
Review
The Metropolitan Museum of Art(10/28/14and#8211;01/25/15)
Synopsis
A stunning look at an internationally recognized collection of Indian jeweled artworksand#160;
Synopsis
A stunning look at an internationally recognized collection of Indian jeweled artworks
India's rich tradition of jeweled arts has produced extravagant and opulent creations that range from ornaments for every part of the body to ceremonial court objects such as boxes, daggers, and thrones. Starting with the Mughal rulers of India (1526-1858) and continuing to the present day, this artistic practice is characterized by an abundance of costly materials such as gold, ivory, jade, and precious stones of astounding size and quality, which artists have used to create unique and valuable works.
Treasures from India presents 60 iconic works from the world-renowned Al-Thani collection, accompanied by a text that introduces readers to their significance within the history of Indian jeweled arts. Included are some of the earliest pieces created for the imperial Mughals in the 16th century, others made for Maharajahs of the 18th through 20th centuries, and later Indian-inspired works created by Cartier in the 20th century. These examples represent the range and scope of the finest expression of the jeweled arts in India, and stand among the highest expressions of Indian culture and artistry.
Synopsis
This book presents a stunning survey of an internationally recognized collection of Indian jeweled artworks, from body ornaments to ceremonial objects such as boxes, daggers, and thrones.
Synopsis
This sumptuous book invites readers to examine in exquisite detail some of the worldandrsquo;s finest and rarest examples of Indian jewelry from one of the worldandrsquo;s preeminent collections, objects once owned by the great maharajas, nizams, sultans, and emperors of India from the 17th to the 20th century. Highlights include a rare gold finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750andndash;1799), inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds and in the shape of a tigerandrsquo;s head, and a dagger with a stunningly carved jade hilt and a watered steel blade inlaid with gold owned by Shah Jahan. Other pieces reveal the dramatic changes that took place in Indian jewelry design during the early 20th century. This glorious book also examines the influence that India itself had on avant-garde European jewelry made by Cartier and other leading houses and concludes with contemporary pieces made by JAR and Viren Bhagat of Mumbai, which are inspired by a creative fusion of Mughal motifs and art deco andldquo;Indianandrdquo; designs.
About the Author
Navina Najat Haidar is curator and administrator, andand#160;Courtney Ann Stewart is senior research assistant, bothand#160;in the Department of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.