Neck Ornament thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Neck Ornament

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This ceremonial necklace or ‘suta’ is of the type worn during initiation ceremonies by Newar boys and girls in the Kathmandu Valley. The same type of necklace is also placed as decoration around the necks of religious images. The use of carved coral at the centre of a piece of jewellery, as in this example, is a typical feature of Newar jewellery. Here the coral is carved in the form of the Hindu god Ganesh, with two flanking rubies held by dragons.


Object details

Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Case
  • Neck Ornament
Materials and techniques
Embossed copper gilt and carved coral
Brief description
Ceremonial necklace, copper-gilt, Nepal, 19th century.
Physical description
A wide gorget necklace of copper-gilt with a central plaque of pink coral carved in the form of Ganesh and two flanking rubies held by dragons.
Dimensions
  • Height: 25cm
  • Width: 19.4cm
Credit line
Purchased from N. Blount, Esq., 22, Lancaster Gate, W
Summary
This ceremonial necklace or ‘suta’ is of the type worn during initiation ceremonies by Newar boys and girls in the Kathmandu Valley. The same type of necklace is also placed as decoration around the necks of religious images. The use of carved coral at the centre of a piece of jewellery, as in this example, is a typical feature of Newar jewellery. Here the coral is carved in the form of the Hindu god Ganesh, with two flanking rubies held by dragons.
Bibliographic reference
John Clarke: Jewellery of Tibet and Himalayas, V&A Publications ISBN 1 85177 4238, 2004, page 114, no.113
Collection
Accession number
IM.296&A-1913

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 16, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest