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

After the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall Backstage Tour and a cup of latte later, we decided to pay a visit to the Asian Civilisation Museum. Of all the museums in Singapore, I know of many Singaporeans who have never step foot into this one. This museum showcases a permanent display of artifacts highlighting the integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilisations. And of all the museums, I find that on the couple of occasions I visit this place, I seem to pick up something new. The displays are always familiar, but each time I see them with different lenses and understand better the cultures, believes and themes that flow behind them.



On display now till 27 June 2010 is a special exhibit on the Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals. I have little interest in jewelery, but I have absolutely nothing against looking at pretty things. The 'Treasury of the World' exhibit features a dazzling array of 402 exquisite jewelled works of art from Mughal India, from The al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait. And since I am cultivating my interest in the Indian culture (don't ask me why), I thought the exhibit was a good experience.

The Mughal empire, rulers of India (1526–1858) were one of the wealthiest, most powerful dynasties the world has ever known. They maintained a court that was renowned for its wealth, high culture, and love of precious objects, all of which were epitomized in the jeweled arts of the period.

This travelling exhibition showcases jeweled items of personal adornment, princely weapons, carved jade and crystal bowls set with precious stones, spinels ("balas rubies") inscribed with the titles of their imperial owners, and other art-historically important pieces representing the period of several imperial reigns, as well as the sumptuous and refined courts of the Deccan, in the southern part of India.

Turban ornament, probably second half 17th century
India, probably Deccan (Hyderabad?)
Fabricated from gold; with champlevé and overpainted enamels; worked in kundan technique and set with emeralds and diamonds; H. 6 7/8 in. (17.3 cm), W. 2 1/8 in. (5.3 cm), Thickness (including plume holder) 5/8 in. (1.3 cm)
The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum


Box, later 16th–early 17th century
India, Deccan, or Mughal
Carved from rock crystal; inlaid with gold in kundan technique and set with rubies and emeralds; the interior fabricated from gold and silver; H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm), Diam. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum



This is actually a pair of ear plugs!!!

Cup, later 16th–early 17th century
India, Deccan, or Mughal
Carved from rock crystal; inlaid with gold in kundan technique and set with rubies, emeralds, and dark sapphire-blue glass; the stones underlain (toward the interior) with painted miniature faces and with kingfisher feathers; H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm), Diam. 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm)
The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum


Miniature books


Pendant, later 16th–first quarter 17th century
India, probably Deccan
Fabricated from gold, front, head, and neck worked in kundan technique and set with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and rock crystal; back engraved and inlaid with niello; with pendant pearls; H. (excluding pendant elements) 3 in. (7.6 cm), W. 2 1/4 in. (5.5 cm), Thickness 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum

Dagger and scabbard, ca. 1615–20
India, Mughal
Blade of jawhar steel (later repolished), hatched and overlaid with gold; iron hilt, as well as locket, chape, and front of scabbard, overlaid with gold, worked in kundan technique, set with precious stones, engraved and chiseled; scabbard wood covered on the back with gold sheet hammered in relief; hilt and scabbard set with a total of 1,685 rubies, 271 natural unpolished diamonds, 62 emeralds, 321 pieces of transparent emerald-green glass, 39 pieces of transparent dark middle blue glass, nine pieces of ivory and six layered agates (grand total of 2.393 "stones," to which another 26, now missing, must be added, for an original total of 2,419); L. (of dagger) 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm), L. (in scabbard) 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm), W. 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm)
The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum


And to amuse the kids, there was a corner for colouring and stamps. And judging from the above artwork, it seems that "Avatar" has invaded the minds of young children!

The pieces on show have one of the finest craftsmanship I've ever seen, but the display lack character and failed to allow each artifact to tell it's unique story. I left the exhibit wondering about the people that once enjoyed these pieces. Their stories of romance, betrayal, jealously or comfort...

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