Artwork Page for Pendants

Details / Information for Pendants

Pendants

1800s

India, Delhi

View all records in artwork set
Medium
Gilt silver with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, and enamel
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.280
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The fish are crystal on one side and emerald on the other.

Description

Worn either as earrings or pendants from a crown, these double-sided, symmetrical jeweled assemblages each feature a fish as the central ornament. The pair of fish is one of a set of eight auspicious symbols known in Indian art for more than two millennia. As creatures of the waters that are essential for life, they betoken fertility and abundance—attributes of an ideal ruler.
Two gilt silver pendants feature crescent-shaped tops above tapering lower sections. Tiered gold crescents at the centers are inlaid with emeralds and rubies, bordered by rows of seed pearls and small green beads. Below, a fish-shaped form is surrounded by dangling clusters of pearls and beads. Detailed gold openwork and enamel create a textured pattern of gold, white, green, and red across the surfaces.

Pendants

1800s

India, Delhi

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork