Pendant

Unknown

19th century · Gold, ruby, emerald · Islamic Art

This beautiful filigree and jewel encrusted pendant would have been the focal point of a necklace worn by a woman in India. On the front, fine strands of filigree have been coiled into patterns, topped with small clusters of granulations, set with rubies and emeralds. The back side is also decorated with engraved floral patterns in gold. This jewel was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many items while traveling in India between 1879–1881. He collected many different examples of jewelry from India, including several of the same type. Today, his assemblage in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive study collection of Indian jewelry from the late nineteenth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gold, ruby, emerald

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915