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Highlights of the Sikh Exhibition at Asian Arts Museum

Kamla Bhatt

The Asian Art Museum in association with the Palo Alto-based Sikh Foundation is organizing the San Francisco presentation of the exhibit. The show features over 160 rarely seen objects, ranging from the fabulous golden throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab, to exquisitely rendered Pahari paintings.

Included in the array of exhibits are watercolor paintings by European visitors to the Sikh Kingdom, metalwork with ivory, gold and silver inlay, carpets and phulkari work (flower work) of floss silk embroidery.

The art reflects the eclectic influence of different religions and cultures, namely Hindu, Christian and Islam. An exquisite painting done for the Mughal emperor Jahangir was based on an engraving titled 'The Descent From The Cross' (circa 1558) by Marcantonio Raimondi reveals interest in Western artistic style.

Similarly, the Mughal tilemakers at this time used a well-known Spanish technique called cuerda seca (dry chord).

These objects are drawn from nineteen public and private collections in India, Pakistan, North America and Europe.

The exhibition is organized into eight thematic sections like Sikh religion, Hindu Hill Kingdoms, Mughal Court, Ranjit Singh's court to provide a panoramic overview beginning with the birth of the Sikh religion and Punjab under the Mughals, Sikhs and the British.

The rich art of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court is the special focus of the show. This is the first exhibition of its kind to explore the artistic patronage at the later Sikh courts where architecture and painting flourished and textiles of high quality, like the famous pashmina shawl, continued to be produced. Besides the exhibit various programs like book readings, musical concerts and films will be held at the museum.

The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, with extended evening hours until 8.45 pm on the first Wednesday of each month.

Regular admission: $ seven for adults, $ five for seniors, $ four for youth aged 12 to 17, and free for children under the age of 12 and for Asian Art Museum members.

Complimentary guided docent tours are offered at regularly scheduled times throughout the day. Admission is free on the first Wednesday of each month.

Location: Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. For information, contact(415) 37.8800.

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