National Museum offers peek into Islamic art of India
Published: 06:06 PM,Jun 01,2024 | EDITED : 10:06 PM,Jun 01,2024
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A precious stone inscribed with the name of the Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg from 1449 AD, a jade pendant of Emperor Shah Jahan from 1637-1638 AD, and an archery ring from 1651-1652 AD are among the pieces of the exhibition titled ‘Zeina: The splendours of the Indian Court’ which was opened at the National Museum last week in collaboration with Kuwait's Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah (The House of Islamic Antiquities).
The exhibition displays an array of daggers, knives and swords adorned with precious jewels, reflecting the grandeur of Indian Islamic craftsmanship.
It will be open to visitors until September 12.
The exhibition features 130 unique and distinctive pieces of art from the collections of Shaikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad al Sabah and Shaikha Hessa Sabah Al Salem al Sabah.
The collection is renowned for its size and significance in the realm of ancient and Islamic art, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated and opulent lives of Indian princes and showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Indian jewellers from 16th to 18th centuries.
There is an archery ring inscribed with the Basmala and the names of Allah, a jewel-encrusted shield, decorated domes and armour adornments, a ceremonial sceptre, a jewel-encrusted cane handle, and a collection of finely carved household items. The women's jewellery in the collection is distinguished by unique designs studded with diamonds and colourful gemstones, alongside numerous other artefacts that reflect the harmony between the arts and court life in the Indian subcontinent.
The exhibition was unveiled by HH Sayyidah Mayyan bint Shihab al Said, Chairperson of the Oman Design Association.
In his speech, Jamal bin Hassan al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, expressed Oman’s deep appreciation for the efforts of Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah in preserving and promoting unique Islamic heritage. He emphasised that this exhibition, which is the National Museum's first Islamic art exhibition, exemplifies the strong cultural ties between Oman and Kuwait.
Badr Ahmed al Baijan highlighted the visionary contributions of Shaikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad al Sabah, whose dedication to the arts and cultural heritage has resulted in one of the most important artistic collections globally. He noted that the exhibition is the culmination of decades of research into the jewellery and ornaments crafted by Indian goldsmiths, celebrating their innovation and craftsmanship.
The exhibition displays an array of daggers, knives and swords adorned with precious jewels, reflecting the grandeur of Indian Islamic craftsmanship.
It will be open to visitors until September 12.
The exhibition features 130 unique and distinctive pieces of art from the collections of Shaikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad al Sabah and Shaikha Hessa Sabah Al Salem al Sabah.
The collection is renowned for its size and significance in the realm of ancient and Islamic art, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated and opulent lives of Indian princes and showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Indian jewellers from 16th to 18th centuries.
There is an archery ring inscribed with the Basmala and the names of Allah, a jewel-encrusted shield, decorated domes and armour adornments, a ceremonial sceptre, a jewel-encrusted cane handle, and a collection of finely carved household items. The women's jewellery in the collection is distinguished by unique designs studded with diamonds and colourful gemstones, alongside numerous other artefacts that reflect the harmony between the arts and court life in the Indian subcontinent.
The exhibition was unveiled by HH Sayyidah Mayyan bint Shihab al Said, Chairperson of the Oman Design Association.
In his speech, Jamal bin Hassan al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, expressed Oman’s deep appreciation for the efforts of Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah in preserving and promoting unique Islamic heritage. He emphasised that this exhibition, which is the National Museum's first Islamic art exhibition, exemplifies the strong cultural ties between Oman and Kuwait.
Badr Ahmed al Baijan highlighted the visionary contributions of Shaikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad al Sabah, whose dedication to the arts and cultural heritage has resulted in one of the most important artistic collections globally. He noted that the exhibition is the culmination of decades of research into the jewellery and ornaments crafted by Indian goldsmiths, celebrating their innovation and craftsmanship.