NORTH INDIA OR DECCAN, 1720-1750; MOUNTED AS A BROOCH CIRCA 1900

Details

TIPU SULTAN’S GEM SET JADE PENDANT
NORTH INDIA OR DECCAN, 1720-1750; MOUNTED AS A BROOCH CIRCA 1900
Set with rubies and emeralds, mounted in a later gold frame with a pin
1½ ins. (3.7 cm.) high; 1 5/8 ins. (4.2 cm.) wide

Provenance

Rowlands and Frazer, 146 Regent Street, London
Miss Maud Odda, by 1890, thence by descent
Christie’s, London, 9 October 1990, lot 88
Spink and Son Ltd., London, 1992
Bonhams, London, 21 April 2015, lot 175

Exhibited

Spink and Son 1992, p.58, no.47
The Miho Museum, Koka 2016, p.146, no.110
Grand Palais, Paris 2017, p.105, no.74
The Doge’s Palace, Venice 2017, p.128. no.77
The Palace Museum, Beijing 2018, p.153, no.81

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Brought to you by

Rahul Kadakia

rkadakia@christies.com +1 212 636 2300

Lot Essay

This elegantly decorated gem set jade ornament is believed to have been found on the body of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore who was defeated by British forces in 1799. His treasury was subsequently distributed amongst members of the campaign and the most significant items were presented to George III and Queen Charlotte (Beijing 2018, p.153). It has been suggested that this ornament probably decorated the belt loop of a dagger (Paris 2017, p.105). It was converted into a brooch in the 19th century. It comes in a fitted case from Rowlands and Frazer jewellers and is accompanied by a hand-written note which mentions Tipu Sultan and is dated 1799.
For a gem set jade plaque which is thought to have belonged to Tipu Sultan, see lot 202.

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