FINE JEWELS AND OBJETS (18-19 OCTOBER 2016)

18-19 / 116

16 FINE JEWELS AND OBJETS | Online Auction 17
13
EMERALD AND POLKI
DIAMOND BAJUBAND
Openwork of bezel‒set polki
diamonds in foliate motifs
accompanied with a silk cord. This
bajuband is centred on a carved
rectangular emerald with a thick
textured gold bezel and suspends a
drop‒shaped emerald bead.
Gross Weight: 84.23 grams
$ 30,305 ‒ 37,880
Rs 20,00,000 ‒ 25,00,000
BAJUBAND
The bajuband, or armband, is an ancient ornament seen in
Indian sculptures since the 3rd and 4th centuries. It also commonly
featured in Iranian art. Bajubands were worn by Indian monarchs
and women of the royal court as a symbol of wealth and power.
They were set with jewels believed to have prophylactic powers
and functioned as amulets. They could be worn singly or in pairs,
on one or both arms.
Three‒part hinged bajubands, such as the present lot, were
typical of the Mughal style. This bajuband is made in the
traditional Hyderabadi fashion. It features kundan ‒set diamonds
surrounding a carved emerald, with enamelling on the reverse.
The red and green foliate motif set on a white ground was
commonly seen in 18th century enamelling.