Lot 172. A seed-pearl and jewelled necklace, North India or Lahore, 19th century. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 GBP. Lot Sold 32,500 GBP (37,681 EUR). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Provenance: Family of Hari Singh Nalwa (1791-1837), by descent.

Note: Variations of this type of necklace, with multiple strands of seed pearls with jewelled pendants, are in the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (Keene 2001, p.71) and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. 03183(IS)). The example in the Gem-Palace, Jaipur (Untracht 1997, p.374), features seven strands and is known as sat lara har. It is probable that the present example once formed part of a larger necklace like the latter.

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World including Fine Rugs and Carpets, London, 01 May 2019, 10:30 AM