A people's craft carries the visual clues to a people's character : and of all its crafts, Oman's silversmithing tells us of the qualities of those people responsible for it - their taste, their artistry, their skills of workmanship, standards of finish, passion for design in all their artefacts.
Silver is the most natural medium for a nation of ocean-going merchants. What Omanis have for centuries fabricated with their silvers tells half their social history - of marriage rites, martial styles, cosmetics and titivation, and of course, personal adornment.
It is no wonder that for the collector of artefacts Omani silver i so prized. And no surprise also, that - in an age of global mass-manufacture - the simversmiths' crafts in Oman is so venerated and sustained with such vigour.
Ruth Hawley has known and loved the country for over a quarter of century, and no greater expert exists in the range, style, and technique of Omani silver.
Silver : the traditional art of Oman is not only invaluable to the collector, but an informing commentary for all those who have learnt to know and delight in Oman.