Gold Theva Work Brooch
Partabargh, Rajasthan, India, late 19th century
length: 6.1cm
This beautiful brooch is made from theva work, a type of work only undertaken by Raj Soni
goldsmiths from Partabargh in Rajasthan. The technique involves incising and then cutting out
small scenes and images from thin 24 carat gold. This is then fused onto glass behind which
green and sometimes red foil is attached. The whole is then held in place by silver wire and
mounted in gilded silver or gold mounts.
Typically theva wear shows village scenes or Hindu deities. This brooch shows pilgrims
collecting water in Benares-style holy water containers and having the water blessed by a
swami, all beneath luxuriant foliage. A tiger is shown to the left.
The back of this brooch has been finished with a large single piece of mother-of-pearl (see the
photograph below.)
Inventory no.: 247
For another theva work brocch see: item no. 569
Partabargh, Rajasthan, India, late 19th century
length: 6.1cm
This beautiful brooch is made from theva work, a type of work only undertaken by Raj Soni
goldsmiths from Partabargh in Rajasthan. The technique involves incising and then cutting out
small scenes and images from thin 24 carat gold. This is then fused onto glass behind which
green and sometimes red foil is attached. The whole is then held in place by silver wire and
mounted in gilded silver or gold mounts.
Typically theva wear shows village scenes or Hindu deities. This brooch shows pilgrims
collecting water in Benares-style holy water containers and having the water blessed by a
swami, all beneath luxuriant foliage. A tiger is shown to the left.
The back of this brooch has been finished with a large single piece of mother-of-pearl (see the
photograph below.)
Inventory no.: 247
For another theva work brocch see: item no. 569
