August 27, 2005 through January 29, 2006
Arthur M. Sackler Museum (more about the Sackler)

Attributed to Oomersi Mawji, Claret Jug, Bhuj, c. 1880. Silver, unmarked, 30.48 cm. Collection of Richard Milhender. Photo: Junius Beebe, HUAM © President and Fellows of Harvard College.

This exhibition highlights the evolution of shawls and silver table wares produced in India during the Colonial period, mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries. During that time, shawl design evolved from traditional Indian compositions and decoration to patterns that responded to European tastes. Meanwhile, Indian silver production grew from small studios of foreign artisans producing restrained, Georgian-styled objects into a large industry employing local artists and incorporating imagery familiar in South Asia.

Organized by Kimberly Masteller, assistant curator of Islamic and later Indian art, and Jeffrey B. Spurr, Islamic and Middle East specialist, Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Harvard University.

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