Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Indian jewelry is among the most opulent and finely wrought in the world. This book draws on over 100 exquisite pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museumand#8217;s superb collection, many never published before. Nick Barnard illuminates the social context and symbolic meanings as well as the varied techniques employed by craftsmen. He describes how jewelry was worn and by whom, how stones were sourced and cut, how traditions of making and wearing varied in different parts of the country, and how the collection itself was brought together by travelers and scholars over the years.
About the Author
Nick Barnard is a curator of South Asian art in the VandAand#8217;s Asian Department. He has specialized in Indian jewelry since 2000 and was a contributor to
Encounters: The Meeting of Asia and Europe 1500and#150;1800.