Treasury of the World: Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals [Paperback]

Manuel Keene (Author), Salam Kaoukji (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001

Jewelry as an art form in Mughal India has probably never been surpassed by any other civilization in the history of the world.

This full-color presentation of its fabulously varied achievements, with over 300 specially taken photographs, accompanies the major international exhibition of the same title. The pieces range from rings, necklaces, and other body ornaments to astonishingly detailed jeweled work on objects as diverse as boxes, flasks, bowls, and daggers. They are presented and analyzed here in themes ranging from creative variations in stone settings, precious-metal inlay in hardstones, and minutely detailed relief decoration in hammered metals to engraved gold-backed jewels, enameling, gold-embellished steel, relief-carved ornament, and inscribed royal gemstones. The result is a visual feast of almost unbelievable richness, gathered together in this book for the first time. Over 300 full-color photographs

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Sumptuous and exquisite best describe this dazzling catalog of an exhibition on tour to London, New York, Cleveland, Houston, and Los Angeles during 2001-02. From cover to cover, the book treats the reader to the visual splendor of 16th- to 19th-century jeweled objects found in the Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah Collection of the Kuwait National Museum. Following a descriptive introduction to the collection and a brief historical essay on the Mughal empire, 13 sections focus on a variety of objects ranging from stone settings, inlaid hardstones, and carved gemstones and three-dimensional expressions. Each section is accompanied by a brief essay that places the objects in historical, technical, and artistic perspective. The items included are identified by size, source and date of creation, and provenance. This catalog provides valuable insight into the creativity and skill of Mughal artisans, whose jewelry is unlike that created by renowned European jewelers for Indian maharajas and royalty, as described in Katherine Prior and John Adamson's Maharajas' Jewels (LJ 3/1/01). Highly recommended. Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Libs., Johnson City
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Manuel Keene is the curator of the al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait, one of the most important focuses for the study of the Islamic arts in the world. His publications include (with Marilyn Jenkins) Islamic Jewelry in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500976082
• ISBN-13: 978-0500976081
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasury of the World, October 15, 2002

By 

Christine Saalbach (San Antonio TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Treasury of the World: Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals (Paperback)

If you can't see this exhibit, this catalog is the next best thing. The photographs in this book glow almost as brilliantly as do the Mughal items in the exhibit at Houston's Museum of Fine Art. The only, more amazing exhibit that I've seen was at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Like at Topkapi, this Mughal exhibit features the dazzling glitter of thousands of gemstones set in gold, overwhelming me to the point of gaping at each item. I spent so much time studying the items themselves that I took scant notice of the exhibit's cards. This book provides the leisure to study the story behind the artistry. Little wonder that metal and gemstone workers were prized by Mughal rulers who enjoyed lavish gift exchanges. My friend took a look through the catalog and made a beeline to Houston to see the exhibit for herself. I'm sure that this catalog will inspire you, as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous collection of Mughal jewelry, January 3, 2010

By 

Ivor E. Zetler (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Treasury of the World: Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals (Paperback)

The Al Sabah collection, situated in the Kuwait National Museum, was established by the head of the ruling family of that country. In examining this assemblage of fabulous jewels, most of which were acquired at auction or from the art market between 1989 and 2000, one can imagine that the purchaser must have have been extremely well funded. Ah, the pleasure of petrodollars!

The jewels on display are indeed beautiful, rare and magnificent.We see an abundance of emeralds, rubies, gold, jade and diamonds that are mouthwatering. There are bejeweled daggers,enamels, rings, scabbards, bowls etc. One of the more stunning pieces is a famous 233.5 carat engraved emerald. Drool!

An enviable collection that the average person can but dream about. Well printed with good quality illustrations.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great service, January 24, 2011

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nicky113211 - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Treasury of the World: Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals (Paperback)

My book was sent out straight away, and arrived in beautiful condition for a used book, just as the seller claimed and honoured. Great service.