This very special limited edition of 600 copies has been designed like a jewel box for one of the most precious books Assouline has ever published, Beyond Extravagance: A Royal Collection of Gems and Jewels, a volume exploring the unique tradition of Indian jewelry, based on the magnificent Al Thani private collection. The brocade for the hardcover is handwoven in India from indigo-colored silk and gold metallic threads. The clamshell case is covered and lined with velvet and has a magnetic closure.
Edited by Dr. Amin Jaffer, Christie’s International Director of Asian Art, with essays by world-renowned jewelry specialists and scholars, this spectacular book presents a journey through the history of Indian jeweled objects. The publication will be launched internationally: New York (November 4 at the Frick Collection), London (November 12, Victoria and Albert Museum), and Paris (November 25). Beyond Extravagance will awaken a new understanding of the diverse tradition of Indian jewelry through pieces that span more than four hundred years. Assembled with a passion for gems and a love of Indian craftsmanship, each item sheds light on the evolution of style and technique in court jewelry from the peak of the Mughal imperial patronage, the rich commissions of Maharajas under the British Raj, the celebrated Indian commissions of Cartier, to the inventive creations of the 21st century.
Key pieces include a carved jade dagger hilt owned by Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal; a group of engraved imperial Mughal spinels; a collection of enameled objects from Hyderabad, the Arcot II diamond and Taj Mahal emerald; a choker made by Cartier for the Maharaja of Patiala, as well as stunning contemporary creations by JAR and Bhagat using historic Indian stones.
A truly collaborative project, this publication benefits from the scholarship of a celebrated team of contributors, including Dr. Robert Skelton, Michael Spink, Dr. Jack Ogden, Dr. Stephen Vernoit, Dr. Katherine Prior, Judy Rudoe, and Vivienne Becker.
Edited by Dr. Amin Jaffer, Christie’s International Director of Asian Art, with essays by world-renowned jewelry specialists and scholars, this spectacular book presents a journey through the history of Indian jeweled objects. The publication will be launched internationally: New York (November 4 at the Frick Collection), London (November 12, Victoria and Albert Museum), and Paris (November 25). Beyond Extravagance will awaken a new understanding of the diverse tradition of Indian jewelry through pieces that span more than four hundred years. Assembled with a passion for gems and a love of Indian craftsmanship, each item sheds light on the evolution of style and technique in court jewelry from the peak of the Mughal imperial patronage, the rich commissions of Maharajas under the British Raj, the celebrated Indian commissions of Cartier, to the inventive creations of the 21st century.
Key pieces include a carved jade dagger hilt owned by Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal; a group of engraved imperial Mughal spinels; a collection of enameled objects from Hyderabad, the Arcot II diamond and Taj Mahal emerald; a choker made by Cartier for the Maharaja of Patiala, as well as stunning contemporary creations by JAR and Bhagat using historic Indian stones.
A truly collaborative project, this publication benefits from the scholarship of a celebrated team of contributors, including Dr. Robert Skelton, Michael Spink, Dr. Jack Ogden, Dr. Stephen Vernoit, Dr. Katherine Prior, Judy Rudoe, and Vivienne Becker.