contessanally: Venice: Palazzo Ducale - The Al Thani Collection Treasures of the Mughals and of the Maharajas

Palazzo Ducale
The Al Thani Collection
Treasures of the Mughals and of the Maharajas

In the ethereal backdrop of the Doge’s Palace, the exhibition Treasures of the Mughals and of the Maharajas – The Al Thani Collection, until January 3, is an opportunity to admire nearly 300 pieces from the precious collection assembled by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, a member of the Qatari Royal Family. The exhibition is curated by Amin Jaffer and Gian Carlo Calza under the scientific direction of Gabriella Belli.

http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/

Pendant
India - 1575-1625 c.
Pearl, gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, glass, enamel, lac
H 6.6 cm, W 5.2 cm, D 3 cm

Dazzling gems, precious stones and jewels brimming with centuries of history and legend, together with historic and contemporary creations take us on a journey through five centuries of sheer beauty and remarkable craftsmanship charting the glorious tradition of Indian jewelry: from the descendants of Genghis Khan and Tamerlane to the great Maharajas, whose lavish jewelry commissions in the 20th century produced stunning and innovative works from the European jewelry houses.

Mariacristina Gribaudi, Mattia Berto and Francesca Pederoda

The Nawanagar Ruby Necklace

Cartier - 1937

Platinum, rubies, diamonds - H 20.5 cm, W 19.5 cm

Rosewater Sprinkler

North India -1675–1725

Gold, rubies, emeralds, pearls

H 25.5 cm, diameter 10.3 cm Inscribed in Persian on the base: 64 tola 4 masha / 64 tola 2 masha

The Venice exhibition is an incredible journey into the universe of Indian jewelry from the 16th century to the present day. The route is marked by the milestones of this art, which has never ceased to amaze and fascinate Western minds, arousing their curiosity with images of jewel-bedecked royals and gods.

Cecilia Matteucci

Daggers

Gaetano and Albertina Marzotto

The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace

India -1850–75

Gold, diamonds, emerald, enamel - H 26 cm, W 19.6 cm

In India, jewelry is about more than embellishment. Every gem has its own meaning that refers to a cosmic purpose, or invokes a favorable horoscope. In popular culture, particular forms of jewelry suggest the rank, caste, region of birth, marital status or wealth of the wearer. Precious metals and gemstones have also been used in the adornment of courtly rooms, as well as in ceremonial dresses, weapons and furnishings.