A single-owner collection of 17th, 18th and 19th century Indian temple jewellery is to be sold by Bonhams through private treaty. Made to honour Hindu gods like Shiva, Krishna and Nandi the 28-piece collection was put together by a Spain-based collector. There are necklaces, hair braids, earrings, pendants, broaches, and solid gold bulls set with jewels. The quality of the gold is higher than the 24-carat gold commonly used in the west.
Normally these objects would have been stored in a temple treasury and brought out to adorn the gods for festive occasions and holidays. Alice Bailey, Head of Bonhams Indian and Islamic Department said: “The collection is in wonderful condition. Its value lies in the wide variety, good quality and sheer range of temple jewellery.”
Pendants from the collection. (Click on image to enlarge).
A kavacham, the Ganesh Armour that protects devotees. (Click on image to enlarge).
