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Pedro Moura Carvalho, with contributions by Robert Skelton
and Stephen Vernoit
Legends of the opulence of Mughal India have stirred the imagination
of the West since the 17th century, but very few examples of Mughal
jewellery and enamel work of this period have survived.
The Khalili Collection is fortunate, however, in possessing several
outstanding objects from 17th- and early 18th-century royal Mughal
workshops.
Prominent among the early gemstones are a spinel ruby engraved with
the names of the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan; a rectangular
emerald of superb colour weighing 164 carats, carved with a double
rosette on one side and a floral spray on the other; and a gold
box whose entire surface is covered with 93 carved emeralds.
Early enamelled gold objects include a spectacular huqqah; a spittoon
with exquisite floral decoration; and an octagonal box and tray
set, similar to the famous example in St Petersburg.
The Mughal jewellery in the Collection covers a very wide range,
including necklaces, bracelets, turban ornaments and other pieces
of Mughal design, as well as South Indian gold pieces which are
of exotic form and excellent workmanship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert Skelton was formerly Keeper at the Indian Department, Victoria
& Albert Museum, London; he is a leading authority on Mughal art
and has contributed to many publications on the subject.
DETAILS
(to be published)
fully illustrated in colour
35.5 x 25.5 cm
hardback with dust jacket (slipcased)
£89 $180
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