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Treasury of the World: Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0800

Immerse yourself in the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire(1526 – 1858), one of the wealthiest, most powerful dynasties the world has ever known. Treasury of the World features a dazzling array of 402 exquisite jewelled works of art from Mughal India, from The al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait.

The rulers of the Mughal empire were so renowned for their lavish lifestyle, love of beauty and vast collection of precious objects, that the Mughal emperor Jahangir was once described in a letter by the English Ambassador Thomas Roe as ‘the treasury of the world’. Visit this exhibition to learn more about the diverse techniques in the jewelled arts used by the artisans and craftsmen during the Mughal period.

This travelling exhibition began its journey at The British Museum in London and has since been shown in world-renowned venues such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Louvre Museum in Paris. The exhibition will make its Asian debut at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore.

This exhibition is organised by The al-Sabah Collection, National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters, Kuwait, in collaboration with the Asian Civilisations Museum.

The Egawa Donation: A Collection of Japanese and Chinese Inspired Ceramics

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0800

This exhibition showcases a collection of European ceramics donated by Mr. and Mrs. Toshio Egawa to the museum two years ago. Produced mainly in the 18^th century in English and European kilns, these wares reflect Japanese and Chinese influence. Porcelain from Japan and China were highly sought after in the West, where they were collected and proudly displayed in palaces and mansions.

Gain insight into the development of ceramics production in the West and how its products were inspired by patterns and shapes of the Japanese and Chinese originals. Also discover the interactions between East Asia and Europe on ceramic art and the economic exchanges that set the stage for these cultural cross-currents.

The Little Mughals curator's tour

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0800

Kids, it’s time to put on your Mughal finery as curator Nicola Kuok takes you on a magical journey back in time to the colourful Mughal kingdom! Listen as she tells you stories behind the beautiful jewellery pieces, try on exciting costumes and make your own Mughal motif photo frame to take home.

Recommended for children aged 9-12. Each participant should be accompanied by an adult.

Limited to 15 participants. For more information, contact us at 6332 3284.

Shah Jahan: The Eternal Love Story of a Mughal Emperor

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0800

Let all the glitter of emeralds,
Pearls, rubies and diamonds
Disappear like a fading rainbow.
But let this one solitary tear pearl
Remain
Glistening
On the cheek of time:
This white splendid Taj Mahal
- extract from Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Shah Jahan”

Relive the glorious days of the Mughal empire in a beautiful evening that will recreate the atmosphere of a Mughal court through poetry, narrative, music and dance.

Readings of Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Shah Jahan” will be accompanied by the flamboyant dancing of renowned Kathak dancers Vidha and Abhimanyu Lal from India. The event is co-organised with the Tagore society.

About Kathak

Kathak is one of the eight classical dances of India. It is a narrative dance form characterised by fast footwork and dramatic spins. It has been influenced by kathakas �"ancient nomadic story-tellers of North India, temple dances and the bhakti movement. However, it was only during Mughal rule that Kathak began to acquire its current form. It encountered other forms of dance and music, especially from Persia. Dancers were enticed from the temples to the courts by gifts of gold, jewels and royal favour. Patronage soared as a social class of dancers and courtiers emerged in the royal palaces, where dance competitions were held frequently. This caused Kathak to evolve from a purely religious art form to court entertainment.

$35 per person. Tickets are available for sale only at the Front Desk of the Asian Civilisations Museum (Mon: 1pm-6pm, Tue-Sun: 9am-6pm).

Each ticket includes complimentary entry to ACM’s special exhibition Treasury of the World from 6 �" 8pm prior to the performance.

For more information, contact us at 6332 3284 or nhb_acm@nhb.gov.sg

Jewelled Magnificence: The splendid and turbulent history of jewellery and Emperors during the Mughal Era

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0800

Indian jewellery and ornament has a tradition that is thousands of years old. The Mughals established themselves in India in the 16th century and became a part of this great tradition by taking it to new heights.

During the talk, learn about the Mughal Emperors who were the connoisseurs of the age; test your knowledge of gemstones and techniques; and find out interesting stories behind some of the more celebrated jewellery pieces.

Don’t miss your chance to see selected pieces of beautiful Mughal-inspired jewellery that illustrate Indian style and technique!

Biography of speaker:

Mary F. Leadbetter spent 16 years in legal practice and began work on a diploma in Asian Art at the British Museum in 2003. After relocating to Singapore, Mary continued her Asian arts education with the docent training programme and now guides at ACM. Mary has served twice on the Friends of the Museum council, the ACM training team, the special exhibitions team and the FOM’s Monday morning lectures committee. She has presented talks on betel nut, the Greek Masterpieces exhibition and Indian jewellery during Monday morning lectures.

Treasury of the World Curator’s Tour SOLD OUT

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0800

As this tour is fully booked, if you have missed this session, click here to register for the 9th April 2010 Treasury of the World curator's tour.

Join curator Nicola Kuok as she ventures into the magnificent world of the Great Mughal empire. Learn about the artistic sophistication and technical finesse of Indian craftsmen in the 16th - 18th century as you view stunning jewellery pieces belonging to Mughal emperors and princes.

The Mighty Mughals weekend festival

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0800

Become a wild warrior or pampered princess!

Win!! Vouchers from Caesars – the armour, swords and guns retailer worth $1,000
Spa packages from Atos Wellness worth $3,300

Court entertainment fit for an emperor!
• Relive the love story behind the Taj Mahal through passionate kathak dances featuring top dancers from India and the Tagore Society / 12.30pm, 3.00pm
• Listen to ghazal – ancient Persian style romantic ballads by Bhaskar's Arts Academy / 1.30pm, 4.30pm

Become a wild warrior!
• Test your archery skills / 1pm – 5pm*
• Get your photo taken on a pony / 1pm – 3pm
• A display of deadly weaponry by Caesars - replica armour, guns, swords / 12pm - 5pm

Be pampered like a princess!
• Free massages and hand spa treatment
• Free eyebrow threading and henna art
• Get your handphone bejewelled

Specially for kids!
• Build your own mini Taj Mahal
• Decorate your own paper brooch or dagger – Mughal style!
• Treasure hunt in galleries to collect goodie bags

The Mughal Bazaar
• Bring home pretty treats and trinkets
• Delicious Mughal food and drink for sale

Don’t miss other exciting activities!
• Free kulfi ice-cream
• Get poetry personalised just like the Mughals did!
• Dress up in colourful turbans to pose with a live golden snake!

*All free activities limited to one per person while stocks last, terms and conditions apply