From the Great Mughals to the Maharajas: Jewels from the Al Thani collection

Exhibition Catalogue (English version) From the Great Mughals to the Maharajas: Jewels from The Al Thani Collection, presented at the Grand Palais, Paris (29th March – 5th June 2017).

Since ancient times, India has been noted as a land rich in precious gems. Renowned for its diamonds, sapphires and rubies, the ascent of the Mughal Empire in the sixteenth century saw the skill of its jewellers rise to the level of an unparalleled art form.

Most notably, the fourth and fifth emperors presided over the birth and development of a golden age that harnessed the art and culture of both East and West to create fabulous jewels, so that even today the variety and beauty of these artefacts is greeted with amazement.

Following the decline of the Mughal Empire in the eighteenth century, it was the Maharajas under the new British Raj who continued the fabulous tradition. Immensely rich and sophisticated, they interacted with the most famous European jewellery firms. Their capacity for reinventing jewellery, such as embedding ancient gems in more modern compositions, led to designs that were a wonderful combination of Indian traditions and the latest trends in Western culture.

The exhibition closes with a homage to contemporary jewellery made by Indian jewellers or inspired by India. These include outstanding creations by Cartier and JAR which incorporate historic Indian gems. The work of Mumbai jeweller Viren Bhagat fuses contemporary technique and materials with traditional jewellery forms and ornament.