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

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.

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.