Jade collection of the Salar Jung Museum
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Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad boasts of an extensive collection of jade and jade objects, and it is one of the largest collection of jade displayed for public in India. The collection as per a publication from 1979 of Salar Jung Museum suggests that there were 984 objects with varying degree of craftsmanship.Mist of the artefacts are from the Mughal Empire and some from the Asaf Jah Dynasty. There are two types of objects, first the one which are partially made of jade like hilts of daggers and swords and some articles purely carved out of Jade like small cups and miniatures.[1]
History and Technique of Jade
Jade is a natural mineral rock, mainly available in Khotan and Yarkand regions of East Turkistan and Upper Burma. Most common color observed in jade is green but several other colors are also found in nature. Jade has been know since 7000 years in China and was owned by rich and royal as it is an expansive and rare stone. It is not certain how and when jade stone arrived in India, there are several theories of jade objects being brought to India from China, However these theories have been outdated,as over the years large collection of jade objects are discovered in India and are on display all over the world.[1][2]
About the Collection
The patron of the jade collection is the famous Salar Jung Family of Hyderabad. Three generations from this family served as the prime minister of Asaf Jah dynasty. However, this carefully curated collection does not have any record, no documentation has been left behind by the family stating when,how and from whom these objects were acquired. [1]The jade in the collection notable for its design excellent craftsmanship and perfection of technique. Ornamentation on the jade objects are mainly in traditional floral pattern with an exceptional polish or with gemstones like rubies and diamonds embedded on the surface.[3]
Noteworthy objects in the collection consists of a Quran Stand R'ehl, dagger of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, dagger of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Archer Ring of Shah Jahan, fruit knife of Noorjahan, miniature version of a screen with portraits of three generation of Salar Jung, wine cups of Indian School of Jade from 18th century. Apart from these there are several mirrors with jade handles, wine cups in jade, walking sticks, belt buckles, chilam, ashtray, plaques,spoons, trays, trinket boxes, armlets, dice and many more miniature objects from different time periods, including Mughal and Asaf Jah.[1][4]
References
- ^ a b c d Nigam, M. L. (1979). Jade Collection in the Salar Jung Museum. Salar Jung Museum Board.
- ^ "Magnificent Indian Jades". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ "salar jung museum". www.salarjungmuseum.in. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ Salar Jung Museum (2014). Treasures : Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad. National Culture Fund. New Delhi. ISBN 978-93-83098-26-2. OCLC 871215664.
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