Gold and Splendour : The Arsenal of the Russian Tsars

Treasures of the Moscow Kremlin Museums, is the first exhibition in the UAE to display a unique collection of armory from the Moscow Kremlin Museums.  The exhibition is the culmination of collaborative efforts between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage and the Moscow Kremlin Museums to foster cultural ties between the UAE and Russia and encourage cross-cultural exchange between the two nations.  This collaboration has brought forth more than hundred selected objects, including ceremonial weapons, arms and harness sets from the 16th and 17th Century.

Gift from late President of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Leonid Brezhnev, former Secretary General of CPSU  (20th Century)

In addition to their artistic and historic value, several of the objects displayed have never left the Kremlin grounds – not even to a location within Russia itself.  Encrusted with precious stones, gold and silver, these objects showcase the splendour of the Russian Royal Court.  They also display the high quality of craftsmanship of Oriental masonry, where Arab and Islamic items held positions of honour in the inventories of arsenals belonging to Russia?s Tsars and Emperors.

The Exhibition is being held from September 10th to November 18th at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi;  which is an enchanting landmark that is a wonder to behold for all who venture through its magnificent gates. 

Suit of Plate Armour – Russia -16th Century (L);Jericho Cap ? Turkey ?Late 16th Century(R)

Shield of the Grand Attire ?Persia, Early 16th Century; Steel, inlaid with gold and decorated with filigree, rubies, turquoise and pearls (L); Quiver & Bow case ?Russia -17th Century(R)

Ambassadorial Axes ? Turkey, 17th Century (L); Pair of Pistol Holders – Moscow-17th Century (R)

Saddle Pistols ?Moscow-17th Century

Broadsword (Palash) & Scabbard ?Persia before 1645

Sword & Scabbard ?Poland-17th Century

Sabre and Scabbard – Turkey 1656

Swords – Turkey, 17th Century

Flintclock Rifle – Turkey – 18th Century

Broadsword (Zulficar blade) – Poland 17 – 18th century (L); Two Sabre Blades ?Persia-first half of 17th Century(R)

Ornamental Hose chain & Knee Cap for horse – Moscow -7th Century

Set of Ceremonial Horse bridle and chest straps – Turkey before 1634 studded with god, silver, rubies, turquoise

Pair of Stirrups – Turkey – 17th Century

Forehead ornaments horse Turkey 17th Century (L); Saddle & Stirrups ?Russia ?first half of 17th Century (R)

Forehead ornaments – Turkey 17th century

Caparison (Chaddar) – Turkey 17th Century

Saddle – Moscow -17th Century

Saddle – Turkey – 17th Century

Saadak Cloth – Turkey 17th Century

Dagger – Persia 18th Century

Dagger – Turkey – 18th Century

Dagger – India – 18th Century

Knife – Central Asia -18th century

Knife – Persia 17th Century

Gift from Sultan Abdul Hameed I of Turkey to Empress Cathereen 2 ? in commemoration of the Treaty of Kucuk Kaynara 1774

Gift from Sultan Salem 3 of Turkey to Empress Cathereen to commemorate Treaty of Jassy 1793

Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Dome above the lobby area, Emirates palace

A peep into the interior -you may need your sunglasses though 😉

Author: Judith Serrao- UAE