Lot 149. A gem-set gold hair ornament, probably South India, 19th century. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's.

decorated on surface in the kundan technique with rubies, emeralds and turquoise, the underside with three suspension loops; 5.9cm. diam. 

Note: Of round, domed form with three small loops to the inside, this ornament resembles the traditional South Indian hair jewel that was designed to be worn at the back of the head, usually in combination with other ornaments. Two similar examples were in the recent exhibition India: Jewels that enchanted the world, at the Moscow Kremlin Museums (Moscow 2014, p.262, nos.131 & 132).

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, Londres, 20 avr. 2016, 10:30 AM.