30-31 / 160
30
31
31
GEMSET
MAANG TIKA
OR FOREHEAD
ORNAMENT
Comprising of ruby cabochons in floral motifs and a
crescent‒shaped bottom, further suspending a fringe of
pearls and green beads. The
maang tika
is accompanied
by a hair support of pearls, mounted in gold.
Gross weight: 8.20 grams
$ 1,145 ‒ 1,715
Rs 80,000 ‒ 1,20,000
30
GEMSET
MAANG TIKA
OR FOREHEAD
ORNAMENT
Designed as a crescent‒shaped
maang tika
to a
surround of similarly designed pear‒shaped colourless
sapphires, further suspending a similarly set fringe to
a fish motif. The
maang tika
is accompanied by a hair
support of pearl and gold beads, mounted in gold.
Gross weight: 40.93 grams
$ 2,860 ‒ 4,290
Rs 2,00,000 ‒ 3,00,000
F
ish motifs are often found in jewellery and ornaments, as seen in the present lot and lot 13.
In Indian mythology, the fish is significant as Lord Vishnu’s first avatar – the
matsya
. It
takes the form of a gigantic fish that saves Manu, believed to be the first human, by navigating
his ship through a massive flood, after which Manu begins life afresh and propagates the race
of humans. According to Oppi Untracht, fish – being prolific breeders – are symbols of fertility
and abundance. (
Traditional Jewelry of India
, London: Thames and Hudson, 1997, p. 276)
32
GEMSET
MAANG TIKA
OR FOREHEAD
ORNAMENT
Designed in a crescent motif set with full‒cut
diamonds and rubies, suspending a fringe of pearls,
together suspended to a ruby and pearl chain,
mounted in gold.
Gross weight: 15.91 grams
$ 5,000 ‒ 6,430
Rs 3,50,000 ‒ 4,50,000
Detail of a Basohli painting, circa 1700, depicting a maiden
wearing a
maang tika
.