A rare bronze pendant, India or Central Asia, 15th-16th century

robustly cast in two sections with a terminal mounted with a pivoted loop, in an elaborate cusped foliate form with decoration in deep relief of stylised lotus emanating from a cinquefoil floral cartouche

some losses, 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 flamboyant stylised lotuses that dominate the design of this pendant have their origins in Chinese art, but have been mediated through the art of Central Asia and Persia before appearing in the decorative vocabulary of Mughal India. The flowers and cloud-like divisions retain an exuberance and element of naturalism present in their earliest forms in the Islamic world but have a distinctive styling that is very reminiscent of the carved designs on the so-called 'Pavilion of the Turkish Sultana' at Fatehpur Sikri.

The antecedents of the decoration of the pendant can be seen as early as the first half of the 15th century in such works as the tombstone found in the mausoleum of Jahangir ibn Timur (Hazrat Imam) at Shahr-i Sabz (Lentz & Lowry 1989, p.211, fig.74).