Pendant with Chain

Description

The central emerald has been subtly incised with a many-petaled lotus flower, a symbol of the sun, suggesting the radiance of the outsize gem. The enameling on the back depicts a peacock with a pair of peahens amid flowers. Peacocks signal the monsoon rains. The refined use of enamel indicates that this piece was assembled in the specialized workshops of Jaipur, but the size of the emerald suggests that it was made for imperial use.

Provenance

Anne Thomas Jessop Smith [1902–1964], Gates Mills, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1966); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1966–)

Pendant with Chain

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1700s

Accession Number

1966.515

Medium

Gold, emerald, diamonds, enamel, and pearl

Dimensions

Overall: 7.4 x 4.8 cm (2 15/16 x 1 7/8 in.)

Classification

Jewelry

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Bequest of Anne Jessop Smith