<p class="bodytext">Turquoise, a naturally occurring mineral, comes in a range of intense alluring blues and has been coveted by sovereigns, collectors and merchants for centuries. Mined primarily in Asia and Africa, its finest specimens were historically found in present-day Nishapur in eastern Iran. It was from here that the stone was ferried to the east, as far as India and Tibet, and to the west in Europe, where it came to be known as Pierre turquoise, or ‘Turkish stone’, as it was transported via trade routes passing through the Ottoman territories.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Egyptians made protective amulets and jewellery from turquoise, while Mesoamericans used it to craft adornments, masks and costumes for their priests and rulers.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In Islam, the colour blue, and by extension, turquoise, symbolises courage, fortune, purity, and victory; the colour is thus predominant in the architectural landscape of Islamic regions, from Istanbul in Turkiye to Multan in Pakistan. Early modern Mughals, Safavids and Ottomans — all held the turquoise or <span class="italic">firuzeh</span>, as referred to in Persian, in high regard, considering it to be one of the seven colours of heaven. Apart from jewellery, the stone has been used decoratively on bindings of important books, including the Quran, and shields and weapons. Sovereigns also prized it as valuable gifts in negotiations; a 17th-century painting shows the Mughal emperor Jahangir wearing a bright blue turquoise ring while embracing the Safavid ruler Shah Abbas, possibly alluding to the bags of turquoise gifted to him by the Shah a few years prior.</p>.Between memory and desire.<p class="bodytext">In Tibetan culture, turquoise is revered for its powers of protection and spiritual balance. It is the first stone given to a child upon birth and is also worn by adults for safety, good fortune and health. When imbued with powers after a ritual by a lama, turquoise is believed to retain la, or the spirit, within the body of the wearer, maintaining the essential balance of mind and body. Besides rings, earrings and headgear, turquoise is also prominent in Tibetan ga’u — a type of metal amulet encrusted with gems.</p>.<p class="bodytext">According to lore, this stone was used by the Buddha to attain victory against a demon. As a result, it is offered to placate deities and maintain peace with demons and is essential in the composition of Tibetan prayer beads. Sculptures of Dharmapalas (wrathful manifestations of Buddha) were often inlaid with turquoise to ward off evil spirits and grant protection to devotees. The stone was also a status symbol — bowls, vessels and other decorative items in the region were gilded and inlaid with turquoise to signify the wealth and religiosity of their owners and patrons.</p>.<p class="bodytext">From medieval rulers across Asia to modern-day jewellers, the turquoise, it seems, has lived many lives.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><span class="bold">Discover Indian Art</span> <span class="italic">is a monthly column that delves into fascinating stories on art from across the sub-continent, curated by the editors of the MAP Academy. Find them on Instagram as @map_academy</span></p>
<p class="bodytext">Turquoise, a naturally occurring mineral, comes in a range of intense alluring blues and has been coveted by sovereigns, collectors and merchants for centuries. Mined primarily in Asia and Africa, its finest specimens were historically found in present-day Nishapur in eastern Iran. It was from here that the stone was ferried to the east, as far as India and Tibet, and to the west in Europe, where it came to be known as Pierre turquoise, or ‘Turkish stone’, as it was transported via trade routes passing through the Ottoman territories.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Egyptians made protective amulets and jewellery from turquoise, while Mesoamericans used it to craft adornments, masks and costumes for their priests and rulers.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In Islam, the colour blue, and by extension, turquoise, symbolises courage, fortune, purity, and victory; the colour is thus predominant in the architectural landscape of Islamic regions, from Istanbul in Turkiye to Multan in Pakistan. Early modern Mughals, Safavids and Ottomans — all held the turquoise or <span class="italic">firuzeh</span>, as referred to in Persian, in high regard, considering it to be one of the seven colours of heaven. Apart from jewellery, the stone has been used decoratively on bindings of important books, including the Quran, and shields and weapons. Sovereigns also prized it as valuable gifts in negotiations; a 17th-century painting shows the Mughal emperor Jahangir wearing a bright blue turquoise ring while embracing the Safavid ruler Shah Abbas, possibly alluding to the bags of turquoise gifted to him by the Shah a few years prior.</p>.Between memory and desire.<p class="bodytext">In Tibetan culture, turquoise is revered for its powers of protection and spiritual balance. It is the first stone given to a child upon birth and is also worn by adults for safety, good fortune and health. When imbued with powers after a ritual by a lama, turquoise is believed to retain la, or the spirit, within the body of the wearer, maintaining the essential balance of mind and body. Besides rings, earrings and headgear, turquoise is also prominent in Tibetan ga’u — a type of metal amulet encrusted with gems.</p>.<p class="bodytext">According to lore, this stone was used by the Buddha to attain victory against a demon. As a result, it is offered to placate deities and maintain peace with demons and is essential in the composition of Tibetan prayer beads. Sculptures of Dharmapalas (wrathful manifestations of Buddha) were often inlaid with turquoise to ward off evil spirits and grant protection to devotees. The stone was also a status symbol — bowls, vessels and other decorative items in the region were gilded and inlaid with turquoise to signify the wealth and religiosity of their owners and patrons.</p>.<p class="bodytext">From medieval rulers across Asia to modern-day jewellers, the turquoise, it seems, has lived many lives.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><span class="bold">Discover Indian Art</span> <span class="italic">is a monthly column that delves into fascinating stories on art from across the sub-continent, curated by the editors of the MAP Academy. Find them on Instagram as @map_academy</span></p>