In this, the first book on Indian metalwork, all the great surviving Mughal objects in gold, as well as enamel, silver, brass, bronze, gilt copper and the Deccani alloy known as bidri are reproduced. The majority have never been published and are unknown to the western connoisseur. Order, beauty, richness, restraint and sensuousness describe the essence of these works of art, produced for the sultans and rajahs of India during the fabulous Mughal age. In addition to being of the most outstanding technical refinement, the finest of these metal objects are among the most striking and poetic utilitarian items ever produced. In his lively and readable text, Zebrowski explains how their greatness derives from the mingling of Hindu and Muslim sensibilities, which is at the heart of Indo-Islamic culture.
"Metalwork has always been to India what ceramics are to China. During the fabled Mughal age, the craftsmen of the Sultans and Rajahs of India produced an astonishing variety of objects in gold and gold enamel, silver, brass, bronze, gilt copper and the Deccani alloy known as bidri. The finest of these are among the most striking and poetic utilitarian wares ever made, in addition to being of the most outstanding technical refinement." "This, the first book on the metalwork of Mughal India, illustrates all the great surviving objects, the majority of which have never been published before and are unknown to the western connoisseur."--Jacket.
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