- 244
A fine Mughal gem-set and enamelled gold archer's ring, North India, 17th century
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- gemstones, enamel, gold
enamelled with a blue ground and decorated with pink and clear gemstones set in the kundan technique in the form of a flowerhead with foliate stems, the interior with a bright green chevron enamel ground and white and black enamelled flower blossoms
Condition
the enamel to external surface slightly worn and missing in some sections, enamel to interior bright, few minor sections missing, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Archers' rings with an asymmetrical construction, such as the present example, were designed to enable the archer to release the arrow with precision and in so doing, to protect the inner side of the thumb against the bow string. Appreciated for their practical use as well as their craftsmanship, they were presented as tokens of appreciation by the emperors and would have only been worn by his innermost circle.
Overall, this fine enamelled archer’s ring can be compared to one in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 02528(IS)). Furthermore, the delicacy of the enamelwork to the reverse can be likened to the enamelling, also worked in basse-taille with white motifs on a translucent green ground, on a jar and cover in the Cleveland Museum of Art (inv. no. 62.206), attributed to circa 1700 (see London 1982, no.324, Welch 1963, p.172, no. 62, Zebrowski 1997, p.52, no.29).
Overall, this fine enamelled archer’s ring can be compared to one in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 02528(IS)). Furthermore, the delicacy of the enamelwork to the reverse can be likened to the enamelling, also worked in basse-taille with white motifs on a translucent green ground, on a jar and cover in the Cleveland Museum of Art (inv. no. 62.206), attributed to circa 1700 (see London 1982, no.324, Welch 1963, p.172, no. 62, Zebrowski 1997, p.52, no.29).