A Mughal gem-set gold mounted jade Pendant (Haldili)
India, late 18th/early 19th Century
India, late 18th/early 19th Century
cartouche-shaped, inlaid with gold and set with cabochon-cut rubies and emeralds and tablet-cut diamonds in a three-stemmed symmetrical floral motif emanating from a small oval ruby, with two birds in profile flanking the central diamond, drilled for suspension
5.2cm wide
5.2cm wide
Estimate:
£8,000 - 12,000
€9,300 - 14,000
US$ 12,000 - 18,000
€9,300 - 14,000
US$ 12,000 - 18,000
Footnotes
- Provenance: Property of a Gentleman.
A haldili is a pendant amulet worn to control involuntary palpitations of the heart. Haldilis are usually decorated with a linear, conventionalised, symmetrical branching tree-of-life pattern, emanating from a vase. The gem-stones are possibly a reference to fruit or flowers on the tree of life. (The reverse side of the haldili can be plain which may mean it was intended for use by a Hindu, or, if for a Muslim, it was never inscribed).
Category: Islamic and Oriental Art / Islamic and Indian Art
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Matthew Thomas
Bonhams
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Specialist
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Islamic and Indian Art