Pieces Of You (Part I)

The word is out. The art lovers in Singapore are currently buzzing about a @special exhibition in town. Not wanting to miss the glamour, I headed to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) today to check it out. The exhibition titled "Treasury of the World: Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals" is also the first time held in Asia starting from Singapore.

It was a nominal fee to enjoy the glittering array of 402 Jewelled Arts of India in the age of the Mughals - from jewellery boxes to ornate necklaces and stately swords - from the distinguished era of Mughal-ruled India. I was totally mesmerized by the richness of the exhibits during the legendary Mughal empire from 16th to 19th centuries. It certainly lives up to the name of being one of the most powerful and affluent dynasties the world has ever known.

Not wanting to only admire the stunning yet functional arts pieces, such as the dagger and scabbard adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, ivory and the like (@see picture), I made an effort to understand the history of the opulent dynasty. The Mughal empire dominated the Indian subcontinent. In total, there are six Mughal emperors singled out as the main contributors to the art and architecture of India. The rulers of the empire (in order of sequence) included Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Awrangzib were skillful fighters as well as as enthusiasts of art. Notably, the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan (1628-1657) was the builder of one of the world's most famous monument in memory of his beloved wife.

Going back to the art collection, I feel that it provides a good insight to the various techniques in jewelled arts used by craftsmen and artisan during the Mughals period. One of which is Kundan technique, ie room temperature gold fusion was widely used in most of the ornaments. The stunning looking turban ornament below set with emeralds and diamonds is a classical example.


@Source: http://www.plushasia.com/media_photo/7638