Indian Taviz Har Rock Crystal Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace 19th Century

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Indian Taviz Har Rock Crystal Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace 19th Century

About the Item

A necklace, TAVIZ HAR, consisting of seven, gold pendants, TAVIZ. Each pendant is kundan set with rock crystal. Each TAVIZ is minutely decorated with LAL ZAMIN MEENA, red enamel. The two outer TAVIZ each have a MAKARA head finial. The TAVIZ are hung from a necklace, covered with a work of MOTI-JALI, tight knitted pearls. India, Utar Pradesh, Lucknow, 19th century As symbols of wealth and status, the use of ornaments in India through the ages was unparalleled, however, the importance of jewellery in the Indian cultural tradition and heritage, goes far beyond mere bodily adornement. The illustrated TAVIZ HAR is not 'just' a necklace: Seven is, as is nine, a very auspicious number for Hindus. Hindu cosmology conceives of the universe as containing seven planets and two personifications of the moon cycle, all designated as celestial deities. The seven planets correspond with seven Hindu gods and the seven days of the week. The white light from the sun is a combination of seven colours of the spectrum. Each planet sends of one colour. It is believed that the sunlight, so as such each of the seven cosmic colours, have a special effect on every living creature on earth. The polygonal form of each pendant, originates in the traditional amulet container, TAVIZ. The purpose of a TAVIZ is to protect the powerfull, spiritual object of rite it holds inside. It is believed that when this object comes into visual or physical contact with anything, it will loose its powers. Those with limited means will simply wrap the charm in a piece of cloth and tie and wear it with a cord. Minutely embellished TAVIZ are meant to add to the glorification of the associated deities. Aquatic beasts play an important role in Indian mythology and art, and the makara, with the head of a crocodile and the tail of a fish, is one of the most indigenous among these fabulous Indian creatures. It goes back to a time more than two thousand years ago when the natural world was seen as both symbol and reality and fantastic creatures were invented to express the complexity of nature. The makara has magical and occult powers and the motif has adorned the headdresses, earrings, armbands and hip belts of countless Hindu Gods and decorated the columns, brackets, lintels and ceilings of the temples that house them. It takes precedence over all other water creatures as a motif in Indian art, and figures prominently on panels, torans, medallions, gargoyles, throne backs and jewel. The makara is a symbol of the fertility of rivers, lakes and the sea, which consequently represents the essence of life. The makara also symbolises happiness and is an auspicious sign, for it is the vehicle of several important Hindu deities: It is the vehicle or symbol of Varuna, god of the waters of heaven and earth: of Ganga, the great river goddess of the Ganges and it is the emblem of Kama, the God of love. A closely comparable example of TAVIZ jewellery is illustrated in the Gentil Album. In 1771, Shuja ‘ud Daula, the Nawab of Faizabad, Oudh (now Uttar Pradesh) commissioned Jean Baptiste Gentil, a French adventurer and traveller, to compile an album of paintings that illustrate prevailing jewellery designs.

Metal:
22k Gold
Stone:
Pearl,Rock Crystal
Weight:
59.6 g
Dimensions:
Height: 0.6 in (15.2 mm)Width: 0.83 in (21 mm)Diameter: 0.36 in (9 mm)Length: 11.82 in (300 mm)
Place of Origin:
India
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Threading has been redone. All sizes are approximate and are based on relevant elements. Accompanying this item is a report of authenticity research conducted by Dutch Gemological Laboratory - part of Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden.
Seller Location:
s-Hertogenbosch, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 1801-821stDibs: LU2092871722