22K Indian Gold and Enamel Mango Shaped Pendant

A 22K Indian Gold and Enamel Mango Shaped Pendant, Jaipur, 19th Century.

Finley enameled with green, red, and blue enamel throughout, decorated with flowers on lavender ground. With hinged lid for opening. A unique piece.

This pendant may have originally been intended to be used as a 'chunamdan', a lime-box, one of the key ingredients in the making of pan. It is close in style to a similar pendant in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, inv. no. 32557.

Provenance:

The Property of the Marquess of Lothian

Possibly acquired by Lord Ralph Drury Kerr (1837–1916) who had a successful military career in India between 1891 and 1896. Lord Ralph Kerr was the father of Lord Philip Kerr who became the 11th Marquess of Lothian (1882-1940).

Literature:

Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian, Inventory, 1901, p.142, Gold & Silver Trinkets, Watches, Medals & Co. In Chapel Crypt, 'Indian earring with pearl-string pendant, enamelled and 'jewelled' '.


2" high x 1" wide

Very good condition overall, missing small areas of green and red enamel on the flowers and leaves, as shows in photos.