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Synopsis
One of the most outstanding collections of gemstones and jewellery was acquired by the Indian government in 1995. Sometimes worn but never shown, these jewels once belonged to the Nizams of Hyderabad, reputed to be the richest men in the world.
Jewels of the Nizams is a study and documentation of this collection. Once part of the Nizams' state regalia and personal heritage, the ornaments date from the early 18[superscript th] century to the early 20[superscript th] century. Finely crafted from gold and silver and highlighted with exquisite enamelling, the jewels are set with Colombian emeralds, diamonds from the Golconda mines, Burmese rubies and spinels, and pearls from Basra and India.
Though only a fraction of the legendary wealth of the Asaf Jah dynasty, the collection is breathtaking when translated into gem weights. There are over 25,000 diamonds weighing in excess of 12,000 carats, more than 2,000 emeralds weighing over 10,000 carats, and pearls exceeding 40,000 chows.
Jewels of the Nizams documents this unique collection of jewels that give credence to legends, apocryphal tales and fading memories of a fabulously wealthy dynasty that ruled the Deccan for seven generations.
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About the Author
Usha Ramamrutham Bala Krishnan has a PhD in Ancient Indian Culture and a post-doctorate degree in Museum Studies. She has worked for the Brooklyn Museum, New York - where she pioneered and steered the museum's Mughal Jewellery project - and has also catalogued Indian jewellery in the collection of the Musée Barbier-Mueller, Geneva.
Bala Krishnan has been researching, writing and lecturing on the subject of Indian jewellery for many years. A fine arts consultant based in Mumbai, she writes on various aspects of classical and contemporary Indian art for publications around the world. Usha R Bala Krishnan is also co-author of Dance of the Peacock: Jewellery Traditions of India.
Reviews
A dynasty of seven generations that spanned 224 years, the Nizam-ul-Mulk (Asaf Jah) rulers of Hyderabad assembled a legendary collection of priceless jewels whose mystery only increased with a 23-year legal battle between the government of India and the heirs of the Asaf Jah dynasty. Worn primarily for ceremonial occasions, these jewels now belong to India, following one of the most anticipated, costly, and lengthy jewelry sales in history, lasting from 1972 until 1995. In this splendid work, Indian jewelry scholar Krishnan (coauthor, Dance of the Peacock: Jewellery Traditions of India) tells the story behind the jewels and the jewelry trust, the Asaf Jah dynasty, and the sale to the Indian government. Each item is among the finest specimens of Deccami, Rahasthani, and Lucknavi workmanship and is spectacularly photographed with accompanying description and brief historical context. Among the items included are gemstones, turban ornaments, necklaces and pendants, belts and buckles, earrings, armbands, bangles and bracelets, anklets, cufflinks and buttons, watch chains, and toe rings and nose rings, each encrusted with diamonds, rubies, spinels, emeralds, or pearls. Highly recommended for collections focusing on decorative arts and jewelry. Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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Seller Image
Jewels of the Nizams
Published by
Government of India, Department of Culture, 2001
ISBN 10: 8175083069
ISBN 13: 9788175083066
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: M.S. Books, Salisbury, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. A lavishly illustrated study of the fabled jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad. 240 pages, illustrated. Has impressions from previously placed clips on several interior pages, otherwise no sign of previous use. Due to the size and weight of this volume, shipping is not available outside the U.S. Seller Inventory # 016311
Stock Image
Jewels of the Nizams
Published by
Department of Culture, Government of India, New Dehli, 2001
ISBN 10: 8175083069
ISBN 13: 9788175083066
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: ERIC CHAIM KLINE, BOOKSELLER (ABAA ILAB), Santa Monica, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near fine condition. Dust Jacket Condition: dj. First edition. Folio. 240pp. Original color-illustrated beige paper-covered boards with brown lettering on cover, white on spine, in color-illustrated dustjacket with white lettering and publisher's device on spine. Brown endpapers. Frontispiece on bronze background. Bronze title page with brown lettering, publisher's device in color. "in the public mind, the Nizam of Hyderabad is inextricably linked with the image of astronomical wealth and fabulous jewels. Indeed, the Nizam's jewellery collection is one of the most valuable in the world. And so in 1972, the news that the collection was being offered for sale to the Government of India caused a sensation in the world of jewellery." (Introduction). Pages 7 to 37 contain an essay on the history of the Raoyal family and the development of the collection. Beautifully illustrated with color and sepia-toned reproductions of photographs of the Royal family, their palaces, and an extensive part depicting the jewellery, with extensive descriptions. Contains notes, glossary, bibliography, photo credits and index at rear. Dustjacket and binding with minor wear. Small dealer sticker attached to inside front cover. Seller Inventory # 55959