Christie's. Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence, New York, 19 June 2019
An antique ruby, emerald and diamond jigha, 19th century
Lot 89. An antique ruby, emerald and diamond jigha, 19th century; 3 3/8 ins. Estimate USD 30,000 - USD 50,000. Price realised USD 30,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019
Designed as a turban ornament of elephant motif, pear and variously-shaped table-cut diamonds, oval cabochon rubies and emeralds, table-cut emerald, foil, gold, 3 3/8 ins., 19th century, accompanied by a gold stand.
Exhibited: Grand Palais, Paris 2017, p. 223, no. 165
The Doge’s Palace, Venice 2017, p. 240, no. 164
The Palace Museum, Beijing 2018, p. 261, no. 168
de Young Legion of Honor, San Francisco 2018, p. 180, no. 99.
Note: The top of these two turban ornaments (Lots 89 and 90) extend to the left in the form of an abstract elephant. Elephants, the traditional mount of a king, have long been associated with royalty and the presence of this motif suggests that this jigha originally belonged to a royal family member or favored associate.