‘Ziena Splendor of the Indian Courts’ exhibition opens in Sharjah
Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, opened on Wednesday the “Ziena Splendor of the Indian Courts” exhibition organized by Sharjah Museums Authority in collaboration with Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
During the event, Sheikh Sultan embarked on a comprehensive tour of the exhibition’s meticulously curated 84 rare artifacts sourced from the collection of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah al Ahmed al-Sabah and Sheikh Hessa Sabah al- Salem al-Sabah of Kuwait.
This extraordinary collection which is scheduled to be on show until April 14 of next year, has been thoughtfully assembled over the decades, spanning from the mid-1970s to the present day.
Sheikh Sultan received a comprehensive briefing on the exhibition’s three sections that collectively house one of the world’s most extensive and prestigious collections of ancient and Islamic art and serve as a testament to the legendary refinement and opulence that characterized the lives, pursuits, and stature of the princes of that era. Furthermore, they showcase the exceptional artistic craftsmanship of Indian jewelers who crafted these diverse and exquisite objects during the period spanning the 16th to the 18th centuries.
During the tour, Sheikh Sultan had the opportunity to observe the foremost aesthetic treasures showcased within the display which have not only defined the legacy of Indian royal courts over the course of history but also spotlighted the continuous evolution of innovative artistic techniques and developments that have remained distinctive hallmarks of Indian arts and crafts throughout the ages.
The exhibition features a captivating range of artifacts, including a royal gemstone that carries the larges and oldest royal inscription that bears the name of the Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), dated before his death in 1449 CE.
It also exhibits a jade pendant commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during 1637-1638 AD, along with an archery ring attributed to the same emperor during the period of 1651-1652 AD.
Further enriching the display is an exquisite collection of jeweled daggers, knives, and swords, complemented by pendants illustrating the advancements in sword and dagger craftsmanship during that era.
More objects on view include a saddle ax crafted from jeweled steel, a gem-encrusted shield, ornate domes, and shield adornments, ceremonial scepters, jeweled staff handles, and intricately carved inlaid boxes and vessels and a multitude of objects that depict the harmonious relationship between the arts and palace life in the Indian subcontinent.
Featuring a remarkable array of rare and precious treasures, “Ziena Splendor of the Indian Courts” Exhibition offers a vivid portrayal of the evolution of arts and culture in the Indian subcontinent.
This showcase, characterized by its distinguished collections illustrating the life within royal courts of bygone eras, serves as a source of inspiration for creativity and innovation in the realms of art, heritage, and history.
