Theva-work Brooch, India

Gold Foil & Enamel Theva-Work Brooch in Gilded Silver Setting

Partabargh, Rajasthan, India

late 19th century

height: 4.2cm, width: 4.7cm, weight: 15g

This large, beautiful brooch is made from theva work, a type of work 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 foil. 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 mounts.

The scene here is unusual in that it presents four deer with fine antlers amid fine leafy sprays. The two deers in the top register face one another. The pair in the lower register face away from each other.

The back of this brooch has been finished with a single gilded copper sheet.

The brooch is in very fine condition. There is no loss to the theva work and no cracking or chipping to the glass.

References

Untracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.

Provenance:

private collection, the Netherlands

Inventory no.: 3536

SOLD