A Fine Timurid Black Jade Gold-Mounted Pendant, Persia, 15th Century

carved in a palmette form with a cusped, petal border, carved on both sides with an arabesque and floral scrolls, mounted with small gold balls with hooks to reverse, two hooks to bottom

In overall good condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Timurids considered jade to be a highly auspicious stone. It represented at once their Turkic Central Asian heritage and was believed to be able to cure many different ailments and bring protection to its wearer. This highly decorative piece, with its gold mounted balls and hooks, could have been worn both as an adornment and for protection. Similar examples of jade pendants can be found in the exhibition catalogue for the Hermitage Museum, In Palaces and Tents: Islamic World from China to Europe, p.154, no.128-130.

For a further discussion on such jade work, see Lentz and Lowry, 1989, pp.223-227.