Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas – The Al Thani Collection – author Dr Amin Jaffer, Chief Curator of the Al Thani Collection arrived in the office, and that was that as work stopped for a few hours.
Frost Magazine loves SKIRA books
Not only are they fascinating and informative, but so beautifully presented that we can’t actually leave them alone. It’s like walking through an exhibition but without the crowds.
This book full of defined images of worked gold, jewels, diamonds is a journey through the history of Indian jewellery from the 16th century to the present.
Indian jewellery is an interest of mine. My dad was stationed in India in the war, and my mum too and he was constantly being offered gifts that he had to decline. But they were so exquisite, so excessive, so… well just about everything.
The glory of the gems is down to the region of the Indus Valley, so rich in real gemstones: Golconda has the highest grade diamonds, Kashmir, where my parents honeymooned, produced sapphires of glorious hue, and so on, and so on.
This book, published on conjunction with the extraordinary exhibition in Venice, explores the jewellery traditions of the Indian subcontinent from the Mughal period to the modern day and is a fount of information.
The evolution of gem setting and jewellery is shown through over two hundred and seventy exceptional pieces from The Al Thani Collection, plus major works from prestigious institutions and private collections.
You must absorb the images of the historic Indian diamonds, the precious objects and legendary pieces of jewellery as the book reveals taste and technique in India’s jewelled arts as they were refined over FIVE centuries.
Exceptionally interesting are the major developments in traditions from the peak of 17th century Mughal patronage through the ensuing years of political chaos and colonisation in 18th century and up to the age of the Durbar. (great ceremonies that provided Indian sovereigns with a new setting in which to show off their jewels during the time of the British Raj).
A central theme is the Mughal visual culture as is the dialogue it created with Europe from the Renaissance onwards. Take note of the Wine of Cup of the Emperor Jahangir, and the Shah Jahan Dagger.
The volume doesn’t ignore contemporary jewellery made by Indian jewellers, or inspired by India.
Treat yourselves, you really must. And share it with the children so they can see the intricacy of exceptional creations.
Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas. The Al Thani Collection. 388 colour illustrations. Hardcover. Price: £50.00