Dimensions
254 x 305 x 25mm
Published to accompany the V&A exhibition, Bejewelled Treasures: The Al-Thani Collection, 21 November 2015 to 28 March 2016
This opulent book invites the reader to examine in exquisite detail spectacular jewelled and enamel objects drawn from a single private collection, and to explore the broader themes of tradition and modernity in Indian jewellery.
Highlights include a rare jewelled finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan, Mughal jades and a stunning carved dagger owned by Shah Jahan. Featuring 100 objects, the book examines the origins of these precious artefacts from the treasury of the Mughal emperors and the courts of Hindustan.
The author also looks at the influence that India had on avantgarde European jewellery made by Cartier and other leading houses and concludes with contemporary pieces made by JAR (hailed as the Fabergé of our times) and Viren Bhagat, which are inspired by a creative fusion of Mughal motifs and Art Deco ‘Indian’ designs.
