Page 72 - 2021 April 1, ART OF THE ISLAMIC AND Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs, Christie's London
P. 72
*49
AN ENAMELLED AND GEM-SET BANGLE (KADA)
JAIPUR, NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY
The exterior set with flat-cut diamond leaves on a cobalt-blue ground, the
interior decorated with polychrome birds and flowers on a white ground,
terminating in two confronted makara head finials, with screw pin fastening
(3in.) 7.7cm. wide
£5,000-8,000 US$7,100-11,000
€5,800-9,200
A pair of similar kadas sold at Christie's, New York, 19 June 2019, lot 160.
49
*50
A PAIR OF PAMPADAM EAR ORNAMENTS
TAMIL NADU, SOUTH INDIA, 19TH/20TH CENTURY
Sheet gold filled with lac, comprising a cluster of geometric forms, one lacking
a spherical element to the base, otherwise good condition
Largest 2æin. (6.8cm.) long (2)
£2,000-3,000 US$2,900-4,200
€2,400-3,500
The remarkably contemporary form of these earrings comprises a striking
combination of spheres, triangles, pyramids and squares which incorporate
animal forms, specifically the cobra (pambu or naga). Ear jewels such as
these would have been worn by women in the agricultural communities and
gifted to their daughters before marriage as an aid to fertility, deeply imbued
within the symbolism of the snake. A similar ear ornament is in the Victoria 50
& Albert Museum (inv.no. IS.5-1986). For a further discussion on pambadam
earrings see Usha Bala Krishnan et.al. Icons in Gold: Jewelry of India, Geneva,
2005, pp.114-115, no.9).
*51
AN ENAMELLED AND GEM-SET BANGLE (KADA)
PROBABLY JAIPUR, NORTH INDIA, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH
CENTURY
The exterior set with flat-cut diamond leaves on a cobalt blue ground, the
interior decorated with polychrome birds and flowers, terminating in two
confronted red parrots with green wings, with screw pin fastening
2æin. (7cm.) wide
£4,000-6,000 US$5,700-8,400
€4,700-6,900
51
70 In addition to the hammer price, a Buyer’s Premium (plus VAT) is payable. Other taxes and/or an Artist Resale Royalty
fee are also payable if the lot has a tax or λ symbol. Check Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of this catalogue.

