Enquiry about object: 5627
Fine, Gold Marriage Pendant
Tamil Nadu, South India 19th century
length: 5.1cm, weight: 5.86g
Provenance
private collection, UK.
Possibly from the Coorg people of Tamil Nadu, this fine, old pendant in high-carat gold is of lozenge form, with applied gold granulation work, and with a long gold barrel hoop at the top to allow it to be suspended from around the neck. Each end finishes with a small spherical gold terminal.
The bead is not solid but fashioned from sheet gold and likely filled with lac to give it support and structure.
It might have been worn as part of a larger necklace given to a bride for her wedding.
Overall, this is a very fine pendant with a lovely patina from age and wear.
References
Bala Krishnan, U.R. et al, Icons in Gold: Jewelry of India from the Collection of the Musee Barbier-Mueller, Somogy, 2005.
