Lot 96. A small gem set gold pendant in the form of an eagle, Deccan or South India, mid 18th century; 3in. (7.7cm.) high. Estimate GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000 (USD 25,700 - USD 38,550). © Christie's Images Ltd 2019. 

Variously-shaped table-cut diamonds, oval cabochon rubies and emeralds, pearls, foil, gold on a lac core, reverse in plain engraved gold.

Provenance: Bonhams, London, 4 October 2011, lot 263.

Literature: Jaffer 2013, p. 187-88, no. 56.

Exhibited: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 2014, p. 53
The Miho Museum, Koka 2016, p. 112, no. 80
Grand Palais, Paris 2017, p. 184, no. 140
The Doge’s Palace, Venice 2017, p. 214, no. 146
The Palace Museum, Beijing 2018, p. 236, no. 150.

Note: Bejewelled pendants of this nature convey the pomp and splendour present in court life in the 1700s. The pendant is inlaid with rubies, diamonds and emeralds and has a symmetrical and well balanced design.

Christie's. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets, London, 24 October 2019