Important Notice

A splendid pair of well-matched hinged gold bangles in fine green enamel on gold. One bangle is set with colourless sapphires and foil-backed rubies on the outer flat side and along the rim, whereas the other is set with diamond polkis and foil-backed rubies on the outer flat side; and foil-backed ruby cabochons on the rim. The kundan-work on the outer flat side is of a stylised paisley. The inner edges of both the bangles are enamelled with green flowers on white and gold ground.


a) Gross weight (diamond polki bangle): 115 grams
b) Gross weight (colourless sapphire bangle): 121 grams
Diameter (outer): 5 cm approximately

MEENAKARI

Though meenakari work in jewellery is popular in India, this technique isn't indigenous to the subcontinent. Invented by Iranian craftsmen, meenakari was first introduced in India around the 13th century where it flourished under the reign of the Mughals.

In this tradition, both sides of the ornament are decorated in intricate detail, usually with floral and foliate motifs. These might, at times, be interspersed with birds and animals, with colour gradations in the design to enhance each motif. This technique was initially limited to the reverse of stone-studded and kundan jewellery, as seen in lots 49,50 and 52, but gradually evolved to standalone pieces with more contemporary designs that used diverse and unusual colours.

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