DOHA: Internationally acclaimed ‘Pearls, Jewels from the Sea’ – an exhibition on the history and legend, mythology and meaning of pearls and pearl jewellery from Qatar and around the world — opens today at Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts in Istanbul, Turkey.
Running until January 10 and produced by Qatar Museums (QM), the expo comprises unique and beautiful pieces carefully collected and curated in the past 10 years. It is a highlight of 2015 Qatar Turkey Year of Culture initiative.
The exhibition is one of QM’s flagship international projects which has travelled to countries, including Japan, the UK and Brazil as part of the Year of Culture programme. It showcases over 100 pieces from around the world, including the Gulf, Europe and Asia. The collection includes pearls, shells, tiaras, lockets, brooches and necklaces — several of European royal provenance.
Jewellery items made from Gulf natural pearls are among masterpieces on display. Highlights include pieces produced by French jeweller Cartier, pearl earrings designed by Bvlgari and worn by Elizabeth Taylor, a tiara worn by Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria, six royal tiaras from other European monarchies, ethnographic and tribal pieces of pearl jewellery, such as a headdress from Tibet.
Pieces in the collection date back from Roman times through to 2011. The oldest is a bracelet from the 3rd century, and the most recent item is the ‘Frozen’ necklace, produced in 2011 by Vietnamese-German artist Sam Tho-Duong.
“Pearls are a crucial part of Qatar’s heritage and an important feature of Ottoman jewellery. Bringing pearls to Istanbul as part of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture feels like a natural way to celebrate the warm friendship and spirit of collaboration and partnership between both countries. The Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts is a unique and intimate space, and the ideal setting to reflect the many wonders of this amazing gemstone and highlight our centuries-long passion with pearls,” said Dr. Hubert Bari, curator of the exhibition.
QM Chief Museums Officer, Sefa Saglam, said: “Not only are these jewels from the sea exquisite rarities, they are historically and culturally significant for both countries. The expo is set to be a true highlight of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture and joins activities that celebrate, strengthen and enhance deep cultural relations and mutual understanding between both countries. It has been enjoyed by people around the world and we hope it proves as popular in Turkey.”
The Peninsula
