The National Museum recently unveiled its latest exhibition, 'Zeina: The splendours of the Indian Court', in collaboration with Kuwait's Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah. Among the remarkable artifacts on display are a precious stone engraved with the name of Ulugh Beg, the Timurid ruler from 1449 AD, a jade pendant belonging to Emperor Shah Jahan from 1637-1638 AD, and an archery ring dating back to 1651-1652 AD. These exquisite pieces are just a glimpse of the opulence and craftsmanship showcased in the exhibition.
Visitors have the opportunity to marvel at an impressive collection of daggers, knives, and swords adorned with precious jewels, reflecting the grandeur of Indian Islamic craftsmanship. The exhibition boasts a total of 130 unique and distinctive artworks, carefully curated from the collections of Shaikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad al Sabah and Shaikha Hessa Sabah Al Salem al Sabah.
This collection holds great significance in the realm of ancient and Islamic art, offering a captivating insight into the sophisticated and lavish lifestyles of Indian princes. It also serves as a testament to the exceptional skills of Indian jewellers during the 16th to 18th centuries.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore this extraordinary exhibition, as it will be open to visitors until September 12.
The collection showcased at the exhibition includes various exquisite items such as an archery ring engraved with the Basmala and the names of Allah, a shield adorned with jewels, beautifully decorated domes and armor embellishments, a ceremonial sceptre, a cane handle encrusted with precious gems, and a range of intricately carved household objects. Notably, the women's jewelry in the collection stands out with its unique designs adorned with diamonds and vibrant gemstones. These artifacts, along with many others, reflect the harmonious blend of art and courtly life in the Indian subcontinent.
The unveiling of the exhibition was graced by the presence of HH Sayyidah Mayyan bint Shihab al Said, Chairperson of the Oman Design Association. Her esteemed presence added to the significance of the event.
During his speech, Jamal bin Hassan al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, expressed Oman's profound gratitude towards Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah for their commendable efforts in preserving and promoting the invaluable Islamic heritage. He emphasized that this exhibition, being the National Museum's inaugural Islamic art exhibition, symbolizes the strong cultural bonds between Oman and Kuwait.
Badr Ahmed al Baijan highlighted the visionary contributions of Shaikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad al Sabah, whose unwavering dedication to the arts and cultural heritage has resulted in the creation of one of the most significant artistic collections worldwide. He acknowledged that the exhibition is the culmination of decades of research into the exquisite jewelry and ornaments crafted by Indian goldsmiths, celebrating their remarkable innovation and craftsmanship.
