Bejewelled Treasures: Treasures of the Al-Thani Collection - Tapa dura

Published to accompany the V&A exhibition, Bejewelled: Treasures of the Al-Thani Collection, 21 November 2015 to 28 March 2016. This sumptuous book invites the reader to examine in exquisite detail, spectacular jewelled and enamel objects, drawn from a single private collection, and to explore the broader themes of tradition and modernity in Indian jewellery. Highlights include a rare jewelled finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan, Mughal jades and a stunningly carved dagger owned by Shah Tajan. Featuring 100 objects, this book examines the origins of these precious artefacts from the treasury of the Mughal emperors and the courts of Hindustan. The author also looks at the influence that India had on avantgarde European jewellery made by Cartier and other leading houses and concludes with contemporary pieces made by JAR (hailed as the Faberge of our times) and Viren Bhagat, which are inspired by a creative fusion of Mughal motifs and Art Deco 'Indian' designs.

Susan Stronge is Senior Curator in the department of Asian Art at the V&A