Silver Treasures from India & Denmark

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The silver saga in this exhibition unfolds in five shared themes that elucidate - the historicity of silver, its role in connecting with the divine, the ornaments and personal use items that adorn the wearer, silver that enriches the lifestyle, and lastly the handcrafted techniques and stylistic language of silver. A special segment showcasing the Indo-Danish synergy concludes the harmonised silver journey of the two countries.

The exquisite Danish silver provides glimpses into the history of Danish silver designs from the sixteenth century to the present day and brings to us the names of the eminent renowned silversmiths that have left a mark in the history of silver design.

The magnificent Indian silver on the other hand represents a vast historic timeline and highlights the diverse cultural geography of the land. It elicits our love and nostalgia for the handcrafted silver and fills our hearts with reverence for our unsung silversmiths.

Presenting the contrasting aesthetics of the unknown and known master craftsmen and the shared love for silver that echoes deep in our cultural legacy, the exhibition celebrates India and Denmark tied in a silver knot.

This presentation of 'Silver Treasures from India and Denmark' was made possible by a unique collaboration between the National Museum, New Delhi, and Museum Kolding. The exhibition is part of a programme for cultural exchange between Denmark and India that was announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Denmark on 3-4 May 2022. The programme, which runs until 2026, promotes the exchange of Danish and Indian art and culture and cooperation between Danish and Indian artists and cultural institutions.

Both Denmark and India have a long tradition of crafting and using silver, which has historically been associated with wealth, status, purity, nobility and commerce. Silver is also a significant and integrated part of lived life and is a metal that can be used to make utilitarian objects such as tankards, teapots, coffee pots, vases, serving dishes, bowls, jewellery and many other items.

The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through time, presenting examples of silversmithing and uses of silver in Denmark and India in a display that illustrates the historical and contemporary significance of silver and silversmithing. The silver objects offer insight into many aspects of life in India and Denmark, conveying similarities and differences and sparking inspiration and fascination with the craftsmanship and the almost magical appeal of silver.

Cooperation between cultural institutions and the exchange of knowledge of our respective countries' rich and diverse cultures and history brings us closer to each other at a basic human level and helps us better understand the world around us. Denmark and India have much to learn from each other, and this fruitful collaboration between the National Museum, New Delhi, and Museum Kolding has made it possible to highlight an aspect of our cultural history and present exquisite silver treasures from Denmark and India to the public.

Museum Kolding thanks the National Museum, New Delhi, for this collaboration and looks forward to a continued exchange of Danish and Indian art and culture and closer ties between our respective cultural institutions.