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Islamic Art and Fine Objects

Islamic Art and Fine Objects

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Lot 63: A RARE PAIR OF LARGE GEM-SET ENAMELLED-GOLD PARROTS, JAIPUR, NORTH INDIA, 19TH - 20TH CENTURY

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Start price: £30,000

Estimated price: £40,000 - £60,000

Buyer's Premium:

Each standing upright on perches on top of circular bases, decorated in red, green and white enamel, the tails, wings, chests and bases set with diamonds, the beaks and eyes with red-foiled diamonds, the foreheads with rubies.

Dimensions: Height: 17.5 cm | Length: 11.5 cm | Depth: 4.8 cm,
564g. total weight(2)
These parrots form part of a long tradition of jewelled birds within India, birds being considered a symbol of royalty at the Mughal court and within other provincial states. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir mentions being gifted a gem encrusted bird and two jewelled peacocks are believed to have surmounted Shah Jahan’s peacock throne (A. Jaffer, Beyond Extravagance, A Royal Collection of Gems and Jewels, New York, 2013, p.192). Other jewelled birds include the late 18th Century huma bird from the canopy of Tipu Sultan’s throne, now in the Royal Collection, United Kingdom (RCIN 48482) and a large 17th century Mughal falcon in the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha (JE.69.2001).