19th C. Indian Tamil Nadu 22K Gold Ear Ornaments
Similar Sale History
View More Items in EarringsRelated Earrings
More Items in Earrings
View MoreRecommended Jewelry
View MoreItem Details
Description
South India, Tamil Nadu Region, ca. 19th century CE. These gold earrings hinge open and have an abstract, geometric style that shows a cobra wearing a protective jewel and laying an egg. These earrings are called "Thandatti" because they represent the three levels of our world - the terrestrial, astral, and divine. These objects would have been worn by women in the Tamil Nadu region, which is the southeastern tip of India closest to Sri Lanka. Size: Each earring is 1-3/4"L x 2"W x 1-1/2" H.
They are made of sheet gold filled with lac and are meant to represent an egg-laying cobra. Extensive iconography exists regarding these works and would have been given to daughters by their parents before marriage of prestige and as a symbol of fertility. Examples can be found in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum, NY, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva, Switzerland.
Provenance: Ex-private Ravsen collection, east coast.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#107415
They are made of sheet gold filled with lac and are meant to represent an egg-laying cobra. Extensive iconography exists regarding these works and would have been given to daughters by their parents before marriage of prestige and as a symbol of fertility. Examples can be found in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum, NY, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva, Switzerland.
Provenance: Ex-private Ravsen collection, east coast.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#107415
Condition
Minor wear, as shown.
Buyer's Premium
- 22.5%
19th C. Indian Tamil Nadu 22K Gold Ear Ornaments
Estimate $3,000 - $4,000
12 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Boulder County, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Payment
TOP