Treasures from India: jewels from the Al-Thani collection

Abstract

India's rich tradition of jewelled 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. Jewels of 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 jewelled arts. Included are some of the earliest pieces created for the imperial Mughals in the 17th century, others made for Maharajahs of the 18th through 20th centuries, and later Indian-inspired works created by Cartier in the 20th century.