Jewels Of The Maharajas On Display At San Francisco Museum

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – An exquisite collection of more than 150 precious objects, gemstones and jewels, some dating to the 17th century in India, is on display through Feb. 24 at the Legion of Honor, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco -- and should not be missed!

The exhibit, entitled East Meets West: Jewels of the Maharajas from The Al Thani Collection, is from the collection formed by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and features stunning pieces from the rule of the Mughals and spectacular Indian jewels with a theme of influence and exchange between India and the West.

“This exhibition provides a riveting look at how politics and culture influence aspects of society—in this instance, jewelry,” said Melissa Buron, director of the Art Division at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “The collection, magnificent in both its expanse and the physical size of the jewels, is an intoxicating sight to behold.”

The Mughals, a dynasty with roots in Central Asia, ruled India from 1526 until the establishment of British control, from 1858 to 1947. Throughout this time, India was known for its exquisite production of jeweled arts and precious gemstones, museum officials said. The objects in this exhibition highlight Indian jewelry traditions including pieces worn on ceremonial occasions; weapons such as swords and daggers; turban ornaments; and works of art made of gold or jade.

In India during earlier times, male rulers, the Mughal emperors, the maharajas, nizams and sultans, wore the most significant, dazzling pieces on ceremonial occasions -- necklaces, armbands, bracelets, and even anklets, signifying their high rank in society.

“The spectacular jewelry worn by the rulers of India is a captivating look into the expectations of both high culture and society across a large swath of history,” said Martin Chapman, curator in Charge of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture. “Audiences will find this aspect of the exhibit relevant to how we perceive gender today, where equality, fluidity, and choice are important topics of conversation.”

Museum visitors can see firsthand the the Idol’s Eye, a 70.2-carat diamond and the largest blue diamond in the world, and such famous gemstones as the Arcot II diamond (formerly belonging to the British Crown Jewels), the vibrantly pink Agra diamond and other treasures such as a jade dagger owned by Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal.

The Legion of Honor Lincoln Park is at 100 34th Ave., San Francisco, and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Tickets for adults are $28. Discounts for students, youth and seniors are available. Members and children five and under receive free admission. See more information here.

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco oversee the de Young, located in Golden Gate Park, and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park.

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--Images courtesy of Legion of Honor, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Credits: Gary Sexton; Prudence Cuming Associates