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As a curator in the Asian Department of the V&A,
Amin Jaffer was
co-curator of the blockbuster exhibition Encounters: The Meeting
of Asia and Europe in 2004 and is the author of several books
on the subject of luxury goods and furniture from India.
His latest book, Made for Maharajas: A Design Diary of Princely
India (New Holland Publishers Ltd, 2006) explores the fascination
among Indian royals for western luxury goods. This taste reached
its peak at the height of the British Raj when Indian rulers - disarmed
and politically marginalised - occupied themselves increasingly
with
vast building projects and conspicuous consumption. Amin Jaffar
will explore the role of maharajas in this age of high spending
and fashion. His research in the archives of firms such as Louis
Vuitton, Boucheron, Chaumet and Hermes and palace and private
collections brings together original designs with surviving objects,
exploring the creative dialogue between Indian princes and the
skilled tradesmen who produced wonders for their delectation.
He will examine the extraordinary rich, varied and sometimes
implausible works commissioned by princes whose wealth knew
no bounds and whose eccentricities were legend.
Members’ Priority Booking Period to 1 November then open
to the public. Asia House Members and concs £4, Non-members
£7
Tickets available from Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street,
London Tel: 020 7307 5454
enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk mailto:enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk
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