Art Appreciation 2014 - 2015 A Trip Around the World March 2015 India

Art Appreciation - A Trip Around the World 6th Stop: INDIA #4: Russia Charlotte, NC Mediterranean Sea #3: Mediterranean #5: China #6: India #2: Africa #1: Latin America 2

Indian Art Jeweled Objects India’s abundant natural resources (gold, diamonds, sapphires, etc.) contribute to popularity of jeweled art This tiger is 1 of the original 8 from the throne of Tipu Sultan who was overthrown in 1799 by the British Created in traditional kundan technique – gems placed in gold and backed by foil to enhance their color Shows extreme attention to detail despite small size (just over 2 inches high) Finial from the Throne of Tipu Sultan, c1790 South India, Mysore Gold; inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds; lac core Dimensions (excluding base): 2 1/8 in. wide, 2 ¾ in. high

Jeweled Objects Indian Art Created for Emperor Jahangir around 1609; the emperor often gave and received daggers as gifts An enthusiastic supporter of the arts, Jahangir employed only the most talented artisans and rewarded them generously Jahangir frequently had his artists transform everyday objects into priceless works of jeweled art; included everything from cups to baby cribs Jeweled Dagger and Sheath, c1619 Puran and Kaylan (Mughal Empire craftsmen) Steel blade, overlaid with gold, ivory, agate, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, glass and enamel Length 14”

Indian Art Architecture The Taj Mahal was bulit as mausoleum for emperor Shah Jahan’s 3rd wife after her death in 1632 Widely known as "the jewel of Muslim art in India" Built by 20,000 craftsmen; utilized 1,000 elephants 28 types of precious & semi-precious stones are inlaid in the white marble Attracts over 3 million visitors each year Taj Mahal, 1632 – 1638 Mughal Architecture Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Indian Art Architecture Hindu temple completed in 1010 A.D. dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu deity Popularly known as the “Big Temple,” the tower is over 216 feet high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world The kumbam (the structure at the top) was carved from a single piece of granite weighing over 80 tons Intricate carving is typical of Tamil architecture, which was common in southern India Brihadeeswarar Temple, 1002 – 1010 AD Tamil Architecture Thanjavur, India

Indian Art Sculpture Sculpture famously known as the Lion Capital of Ashoka Standing over 7 feet high, the statue was carved from a single block of sandstone over 2,200 years ago 4 lions represent 4 values: power, courage, pride and confidence Originally placed on a pillar at the site of the Buddha's first sermon Adopted as the official Emblem of India in 1950 and is showcased on government stationary, currency and postage Lion Capital of Ashoka, c250 BC Polished sandstone Sarnath Museum, Uttar Pradesh, India

Indian Art Painting Painting in India has been popular since prehistoric times This painting represents a scene from the Ramayana, an epic Indian poem; a King is traveling to another King’s court to attend his sons’ weddings Painted by 2 unnamed master painters around 1700; artists working together on a single painting was common in India at the time Originally part of a series of 279 paintings illustrating the poem King Dasaratha and His Retinue Proceed to Rama's Wedding, c. 1690-1710 Bahu Masters, likely father and son Opaque watercolor and ink on paper MET Museum, New York

Indian Art Painting Three Dynasties, 2008-2011 MF Husain Oil on canvas Victoria and Albert Museum, London One of the most famous Indian artists and known as the “Picasso of India,” MF Husain painted mostly scenes from Indian history Husain often blended cubism and classical Indian styles In this triptych the ancient Mauryan civilization is shown between two invading rulers, the Muslim Mughal dynasty (1525-1857) and the British Raj (1858-1947) Husain was working on a series called “Indian Civilization” when he died in 2011 at age 95. Planned to include 96 works of art, he completed only 24 (including this one)

Indian Art Painting Also by Husain, illustrates a scene from the Mahabharata, the other highly prized Indian epic story Painted for the 11th Sao Paulo Art Biennial in 1971 where Husain was invited to exhibit his work alongside Pablo Picasso Sold at auction in 2008 for $1.6 million Battle of Ganga and Jamuna, 1972 MF Husain Oil on canvas Private Collection

Art Appreciation - A Trip Around the World Next Stop: Australia #4: Russia Charlotte, NC Mediterranean Sea #3: Mediterranean #5: China #6: India #2: Africa #1: Latin America #7: Australia 11