The exhibition "The Colours of Sindh" in the Book Art Cabinet of the Museum of Islamic Art in the Pergamon Museum is dedicated to the building tradition of the Sindh province in Southern Pakistan.
Colorful sections of small glazed tiles are the main feature of the building tradition of the Sindh. Tile panels of cool blue, turquoise and white contrast with mosaics of warm browns, greens and yellows and lift the architecture from the barren landscape of Southern Pakistan.
The starting point of the exhibition is the work of the architectural photographer Henry Cousens, who in the late 19th century dealt intensively with the decoration of buildings in Sindh. Thanks to his exceptional abilities, he created unique photographs and drawings.
Many of the photographs shown were taken in the region around the old capital Thatta and at the tombs of the local Talpur dynasty (1783-1843) in Hyderabad. Both cities play a central role in Cousens's work. In addition, little-known buildings are in focus, such as the mosque at the tomb of Abdul Baqi Purani in Sukkur. The last references of this building can be seen in the exhibition.
His photographs impressively show the beauty of the buildings and the interplay of architecture and décor. They are complemented by detailed prints of his drawings of various architectural designs and tiles from the collection of the Museum of Islamic Art, which impress with their colour splendor.