Christie's. Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence, New York, 19 June 2019
An antique ruby, emerald and gold hawking ring, mid to late 18th century
Lot 254. An antique ruby, emerald and gold hawking ring, mid to late 18th century. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Price realised USD 162,500. © Christie's Images Ltd
Designed as a bird, oval and circular cabochon rubies, cabochon emeralds, gold on a lac core, ring size 7 ¾, bird 2 ¾ ins., mid to late 18th century.
Provenance: By repute, Tipu Sultan of Mysore
Exhibited: The National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh 1999, pl. 28
Grand Palais, Paris 2017, p. 185, no. 141bis
The Doge’s Palace, Venice 2017, p. 208, no. 140
The Palace Museum, Beijing 2018, p. 232, no. 144
de Young Legion of Honor, San Francisco 2018, p. 178, no. 87.
Note: It is believed that Tipu Sultan wore this ring when hawking. Hawking was a common sport associated with kingship in India, especially during the British Raj.