Susan Ollemans will be returning to the Altfield Gallery in May with an exciting collection of Indian Mughal jewellery and related items from China, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia.

In the past these exhibitions have concentrated on the jewels of the Indian Subcontinent but this year it expands through out the region showing the close relationship one had with another.

From India there will be fine examples of Mughal jewellery inset with precious diamonds, rubies and emeralds, enamelled on 24 carat gold and made for the princely houses of the Muslim north. Such examples are the beautiful bazu band depicting a sleeping tiger, the champakali necklace representing the frangipani flower and the kada bracelets with makara head terminals showing the fine craftsmanship of the imperial workshops.

The south of India famous for the goldsmiths of the Tamil Nadu area produced marvellous dowry jewels in gold. Examples are the amulet necklace depicting the incarnations of Vishnu and the pair of princely anklets dating from the 18th Century inset with diamonds rubies and emeralds.

Earlier examples of jewellery will be on offer from Cambodia made during the Khmer period (1000 - 1200 A.D) including the marvellous solid gold ring depicting Ganesh, the God of all new beginnings. From Burma a selection of items from Piu including rings and necklaces. From Thailand a pair of gold repousse bangles made for a member of the Siamese Royal Family and from Indonesia a large selection of rings from Central Java Protoclassic period through to the end of the Majapahit period (100 A.D to 16th Century).

Gold was and has always been a storage of wealth whether you were a member of the ruling class of Java in the 9th Century or an Indian bride in the 19th Century. This exhibition is a testimony to that.