Cee’s alphabetical fun foto challenge this week is about the letter I. Early on this year, I had the opportunity to visit one of largest museums of the world – the Salar Jung Museum. It is also theย largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. It is well known throughout India for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century. For this challenge I was spoilt for choice – idols or ivory. I settled for the latter and about the former, I shall wait for another suitable time or even go for a double post. That is if you are interested. Do let me know. But first a glimpse of the ivory collection at the museum, which houses pieces from all over the world
Western world
Marvelous detailing. And apologies for the shadow work ๐ฆ Must learn how to avoid that – any tips/resources?
From Japan
Look at the petals, the hairdo, the design on the robes…
Ivory art work from China
Gods and Goddess from India
Even a whole chair
From what are just teeth.
Despite the art and the fine workmanship I could not but shudder – how many elephants lost their lives just to be a showpiece?
Isn’t that the most beautiful picture of all – wild free majestic how they were made.
Thank you for visiting.
Stories and more 
I suppose shadows and reflections are tone expected when museums donโt use non reflecting glass to protect their exhibits. This museum is on my bucket list especially since my husband claims that one of his school friends has similar pieces in his own Hyderabad Home !
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Oh really? Wow that is something. Must visit both ๐
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I. A good choice
I think we all agree that the wanton killing of elephants for their tusks should cease but this does not mean we should deny the future generations the wonderful, past artistry which the ivory trade was responsible for. The same prohibition should be stringently applied to all endangered species.
“Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir
Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine,
With a cargo of Ivory
And apes and peacocks,
Sandalwood, cedarwood, and sweet white wine”
(John Masefield)
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Vieled Rebecca is my favourite there. Wat say D??
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Oh yes! I posted that too – here’s the link just in case – https://mysilverstreaks.com/2017/02/22/wpc-out-of-the-world/
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loved the pics, the best one was the last one,i cud see a tree on it, lovely choice, im sure the chair must be very expensive, great artwork though!
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Craftsmanship is of course superb.
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While I appreciate the intricate work done on ivory, I even wanted( I am ashamed to say) to own some such pieces, so many magnificent animals like elephants and rhinos were killed illegally. Even now these animals are poached because some cultures believe that ivory has magical medicinal properties.
Your last picture says it all. The ivory looks good on live elephants and rhinos.
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I hope to visit them on their turf someday ๐
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So would I. But in the meantime I make do with Sir David Attenborough’s excellent documentaries.
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Almost as good as the real deal isnt it?!
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Oh u been to hyderabad, nice. Nice art work. I am yet to explore the place
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Hyderabad is definitely worth a visit!
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๐ hope u had the famous biryanis (if non vegy). I meant i am yet to explore the musuem.
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Wonderful idea for this week’s “i” theme. ๐ ๐
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Thanks Cee ๐
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Beautiful examples of craftsmanship, Dahlia! Nicely captured! Coincidentally I was just at a museum that featured several fine pieces of ivory artwork and I was tempted to use the photos that I took, for this challenge but, like you, I couldn’t help thinking about all those magnificent elephants that were sacrificed so I went with iron instead.
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Ah yes it was a bit of a tussle for me too, but I agreed in principle with Bryan and went ahead Your iron collections was awesome and I hope to see your ivory collection some time soon
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Love your final thought – great ending line, Dahlia – very thought-provoking. Of the ivory pieces, I really enjoyed the photo of the Indian gods and goddesses – very clean lines in the carvings, I guess! And about the glass-reflection, I have the same trouble … recently I took the photo from an angle to the glass as an experiment. Not sure it was an improvement! ๐
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I guess i should learn to use some photo editing app. Thanks for visiting Theresa
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Beautiful craftsmanship on those pieces(the second last pic)
Wonโt they be as wonderful if done on something else …something thatโs available without hurting another living being
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Well there is woodwork but probably we will soon realize that they arent as immune to pain as we like to believe…
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