Turban Ornament
early 18th century (made)
early 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Sprays of flowers are commonplace in Mughal art, but it is rare to find an Indian turban jewel reproducing the characteristic border motif of countless textiles, miniatures and metal artefacts. This jewelled gold ornament for the male turban is one of an important group of other turban jewels bought by the V&A in 1922 and 1923 from a Mr Talyarkhan, who had purchased them from the Maharaja of Jaipur. The vendor seems to have suggested that this was an imperial Mughal jewel which had been presented to Jaipur by an 18th century Mughal emperor. However, similar forms are seen in 18th century paintings of Rajasthani rulers and it seems perhaps more likely that this example was made in Rajasthan. The aigrette is set with rubies, emeralds and pale beryls on one side, and the same stones with the addition of diamonds on the other. The stem and the sides of the jewel are enamelled in translucent green.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | |
| Materials and techniques | Gold, diamonds, rubies and emeralds |
| Brief description | Turban ornament, gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and pale beryls, Mughal, early 18th century. |
| Physical description | Gold, set with rubies, emeralds, and pale beryls on one side, and rubies, diamonds and emeralds on the other. Enamelled in translucent green on the stem. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | This is part of an important group of turban jewels bought by the V & A in 1922 and 1923 from a Mr. Talyarkhan, who said that he had purchased them from the Maharaja of Jaipur. The similarity of the form to that depicted in a painting of the Mewar Maharana Bhim Singh, may indicate that it was made in Rajasthan. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Sprays of flowers are commonplace in Mughal art, but it is rare to find an Indian turban jewel reproducing the characteristic border motif of countless textiles, miniatures and metal artefacts. This jewelled gold ornament for the male turban is one of an important group of other turban jewels bought by the V&A in 1922 and 1923 from a Mr Talyarkhan, who had purchased them from the Maharaja of Jaipur. The vendor seems to have suggested that this was an imperial Mughal jewel which had been presented to Jaipur by an 18th century Mughal emperor. However, similar forms are seen in 18th century paintings of Rajasthani rulers and it seems perhaps more likely that this example was made in Rajasthan. The aigrette is set with rubies, emeralds and pale beryls on one side, and the same stones with the addition of diamonds on the other. The stem and the sides of the jewel are enamelled in translucent green. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.240-1923 |
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
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | January 14, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
