1. Art Appreciation
A Trip Around the World
March 2015
India

2. 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

3. 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 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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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
Bahu Masters, likely father and son
Opaque watercolor and ink on paper
MET Museum, New York

9. Indian Art Painting
Three Dynasties,
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 ( ) and the British Raj ( )
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)

10. 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 where Husain was invited to exhibit his work alongside Pablo Picasso
Sold at auction in for $1.6 million
Battle of Ganga and Jamuna, 1972
MF Husain
Oil on canvas
Private Collection

11. 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