Treasures from India: Jewels from the Al-Thani Collection

by Navina Najat Haidar, Courtney Ann Stewart

Overview

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.


Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(10/28/14–01/25/15)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780594062370
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	11/25/2014
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	666,375
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Navina Najat Haidar is curator and administrator, and Courtney Ann Stewart is senior research assistant, both in the Department of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Table of Contents

Sponsor's Statement 6

Director's Foreword 7

Introduction Sheila R. Candby 8

Jewels of India in the Al-Thani Collection Navina Najat Haidar 11

Works in the Exhibition Navina Najat Haidar Courtney Ann Stewart

Refinements in Jade and Hardstone 25

Gold from the Courts of the North and South 41

Traditional and Modern Styles 57

Cartier and Western Jewelers 97

Contemporary Creations 115

List of Illustrations 123

Notes 129

Publication Record 131

Selected Bibliography 134

Acknowledgments 139

Index 141

Photograph Credits 144

Editorial Reviews

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(10/28/14–01/25/15)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(10/28/14–01/25/15)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art