SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- A gracious conversation, a scholarly sermon, a lively portrait rendered in jewel-tone watercolors from centuries past: the enduring milestones of learning and tolerance. From March 10 to June 18, 2017, the Asian Art Museum presents Saints and Kings: Arts, Culture, and Legacy of the Sikhs , a treasure box of thirty rare paintings, military artifacts, textiles, photographs and more that together reveal the multi-faceted history — and surprising California connections — of this vibrant South Asian community. 

Drawn from the Asian Art Museum’s Sikh art collection, the largest in the United States, these carefully selected artworks shed light on the religious philosophy and cultural identity of the Sikhs. The spirit of this distinct community derives from the teachings of saint Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and his successors, as well as the historical memory of India’s Sikh kingdoms established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 1800s. 

Highlights include an 11-foot-long battle standard from the 1830-40s, displayed for the first time in over a decade, as well as intriguing lithographs of the celebrated court of Ranjit Singh, as recorded by British traveler Emily Eden during this same period. In addition, painted and photographed portraits from the turn of the last century reflect a perceptive combination of history and modernity as the Sikh rulers sought to safeguard their ideals in a changing, globalized world. 

“Saints and Kings is a timely opportunity to share the pluralistic values of the Sikhs as communicated through their artistic traditions — traditions that are often unfamiliar to American audiences,” says exhibition organizer Qamar Adamjee, the museum’s associate curator of South Asian and Islamic art. “The culture is rich with customs centered on the charismatic teachings of a Guru who preached equality, and these expressions of inclusion and self-respect are more relevant than ever.” 

The exhibition also draws attention to the community’s special relation to the West Coast. Sikhs were among the first Indian immigrants to North America, arriving in California by the thousands in the early 1900s: a unique history recently honored as part of the official state school curriculum. As integral members of their local communities — initially as experienced farmers and today as leaders in technology and business sectors — Saints and Kings also tells a story that is deeply woven into the Bay Area’s diverse social and immigrant legacy.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, approx. 1670. Northern India or Pakistan. Opaque watercolors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.94. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Portrait of the sixth Guru, Hargobind Singh, 1730-1750, India or Pakistan. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.59. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Thakur Jait Singh (1757-1824) of Badnore hunting boar, approx. 1810-1815, Kunvla (Indian, active 1800 - 1850). Opaque watercolors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of Gursharan and Elvira Sidhu, 1991.253. Photograph © Asian Art Museum. 

Portrait of the tenth guru, Gobind Singh, approx. 1830. India or Pakistan; Punjab region. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.95. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Guru Nanak and the holy man Sant Ren, from a manuscript of the Janam Sakhi (Life Stories), 1800-1900. India or Pakistan. Opaque watercolors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.58.4. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Guru Nanak's meeting with Praladh, from a manuscript of the Janam Sakhi (Life Stories), 1800–1900. India or Pakistan; Punjab region. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.58.26. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Portrait of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, approx. 1800-1900, India or Pakistan. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.96. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

 Maharaja Ranjit Singh and members of his court, approx. 1825. India or Pakistan. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.97. Photograph © Asian Art Museum

Maharaja Ranjit Singh on horseback, 1830-1839, India or Pakistan; Punjab. Opaque watercolors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.96. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Emily Eden (British, 1797 - 1869), The Late Maharaja Runjeet Singh, from Portraits of The Princes and People of India, 1844. Hand-painted chromolithograph on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.63.13. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Surjan Singh and his son Trilok Singh, approx. 1830-1840, India or Pakistan; Punjab. Opaque watercolors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.100. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Portrait of a ruler, probably Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha, 1850-1900. India, Punjab state, former kingdom of Nabha. Opaque watercolors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.105. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Portrait of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, 1850-1900. India, former kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.104. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.

Portrait of Maharaja Mahinder Singh of Patiala, 1870–1876. India; Punjab state, former kingdom of Patiala. Opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.106. Photograph © Asian Art Museum..