New York-based Assouline Publishing, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), has released a book titled: Bahrain Pearls: Treasures from the Land of the Two Seas.

The publication is available in English through Assouline’s official website and its boutiques worldwide, as well as at the gift shop of the Bahrain National Museum.

The book explores the deep-rooted history of pearling in the Kingdom of Bahrain, tracing its origins from the periods of Dilmun and Tylos (2200 BCE – 300 CE). It highlights Bahrain’s role as a major hub for the production of natural pearls. This historical legacy is embodied in the Pearling Path on the island of Muharraq, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. The site comprises a series of natural and cultural landmarks that reflect the cultural dimension of the pearling economy.

The publication also documents the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity of fine jewellery-making in the Kingdom of Bahrain, rooted in the harvesting of natural pearls from oyster beds renowned for the quality of their pearls. Through evocative narrative texts and high-quality photography, the book affirms the rich cultural heritage of the pearl trade and sheds light on its profound role as an integral part of Bahrain’s identity.

Assouline, now headquartered in New York, was founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline and is recognised as the world’s first luxury cultural brand. Through its distinctive approach and refined expertise, the publishing house has redefined contemporary cultural publishing on a global scale, introducing a modern format for art and culture books and collaborating with leading brands, as well as artists, photographers, writers and designers, in celebration of creativity and excellence.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh/en or www.assouline.com for more information.