Artwork Page for Necklace Bead in the Form of a Fish

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Necklace Bead in the Form of a Fish

185–72 BCE

India, Shunga period

(185–78 BCE)
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Medium
gold repoussé with granulation
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1973.39.a
Public Domain
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Location
242A Ancient India
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Description

Jewelry in ancient India often consisted of elements associated with water, such as fish and other aquatic plants and animals. Since water is essential for life, imagery that connotes water is life-affirming, or auspicious, and therefore appropriate adornment.
A gold repoussé bead is shaped like a horizontal fish. On the right, a blunt snout with a small opening is separated from the body by a raised band. Small, raised grains suggest scales across the midsection. To the left, a flared tail features vertical ribbed lines. The entire warm gold surface has a textured, hammered quality.

Necklace Bead in the Form of a Fish

185–72 BCE

India, Shunga period (185–78 BCE)

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