Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts

Jewels, fashion, art, and a fascinating glimpse into royal life in India at San Francisco's Asian Art Museum.

Looking for something cultural—and a little glamorous—to do in San Francisco?

I recently visited Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts at the Asian Art Museum, an exhibition on loan from London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

With nearly 200 objects on display, the exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of India's Maharajas through clothing, jewelry, paintings, photographs, furniture and film.

There's plenty to admire, but there was one thing in particular that I couldn't stop thinking about.

More on that in a minute.

A Glimpse Into Royal India

What I enjoyed about this exhibition is the variety.

Rather than focusing only on paintings or historical objects, the galleries bring together so many different elements of royal life. You begin to understand not only how the Maharajas dressed, but how they lived, entertained, and surrounded themselves with extraordinary craftsmanship.

It's history told through beautiful things—which is always a good way to get my attention.

The Details

The textiles, clothing, and decorative objects are wonderful, but I found myself particularly drawn to the craftsmanship.

There is so much detail to take in that it's worth slowing down and looking closely.

And then, of course, there are the jewels.

The Piece I Can't Stop Thinking About

My favorite?

The Patiala Necklace by Cartier.

Created for the Maharaja of Patiala in 1928, the necklace originally incorporated nearly 3,000 diamonds and was built around the spectacular yellow De Beers diamond.

It is completely over the top.

And completely fabulous.

I'm still dreaming about it.

Take the Children

I also think this is a wonderful exhibition to experience as a family.

It's relatively compact, so you can comfortably see it in about an hour, and the museum offers family tours at selected times. With jewelry, clothing, paintings, photographs and other objects to look at, there's enough variety to keep younger visitors interested too.

It's a lovely way to introduce children to another culture without making the experience feel like a history lesson.

The MBellished Takeaway

Go for the history.

Stay for the craftsmanship.

And don't leave without seeing the jewels.

Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Through April 8, 2012

xo,
Malvika