NORTH INDIA, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Details

A GEM-SET NAVARATNA GOLD NECKLACE AND EARRINGS
NORTH INDIA, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
The necklace composed of fifteen gold panels, set with navratna inset gemstones and stonepaste, each with a pendant hanging below, a triangular pendant of mixed stones at each end, the reverse fabric lined, a silk string tie, the pair of pendant gold earrings with green and red stonepaste and pearls
Necklace without tie 9 ¼in. (23.5cm.) long; earrings 1 ¼in. (4cm.) each

Conditions of sale

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Lot Essay

The arrangement of stones on this necklace forms a potent navaratna amulet, symbolizing the nine celestial planets and deities (navagrahas). In the chapter titled 'Nava-ratna: A Celestial Palladium' within his work "Traditional Jewelry of India" (1997), Oppi Untracht elaborates on the nine celestial deities, providing insights into their attributes, abilities, and associated vehicles. Untracht traces the gemstones' origins back to the legend of the demon Bala, as recounted in the ancient scientific treatise "Ratanpariksa" by Buddhabhatta from the fourth century.

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