Treasury of the World: Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals

This is the most lavish display of historic jewellery ever seen in Malaysia. The pieces in this exhibition exemplify the artistic sophistication and technical finesse of Indian craftsmen in the age of the Mughals, especially during the 16th to the 18th century. The Indian Subcontinent is a land naturally rich in gems and is home to the most highly developed range of the jewelled arts of any nation on earth. Some of the most remarkable pieces on view here belonged to a succession of Mughal emperors, while many other objects were the proud possessions of a variety of princely patrons. All demonstrate the dazzling mastery of the Indian jewellery artists, whose materials typically were gold, rubies, emeralds, diamonds and pearls.

The objects on display are from the personal collection of Sheikh Nasser and Sheikha Hussah al-Sabah of Kuwait, the most significant collectors of Indian jewelled arts in the world. Over the past ten years the exhibition has travelled to a number of leading cultural institutions, including the Louvre and the British Museum. Kuala Lumpur will be the last stop on this global tour.

Photo: © Copyright Islamic Arts Museum Malysia
Text: http://www.iamm.org.my/i_ex/?p=363