Earring, One of a Set of Five
Not on view
This earring, one of a set of five, is fabricated of gold and contains several floral motifs. Flat, three-petalled flowers make up the pendants at the base of the hoop, while a cast rosette can be seen at the front of the earring. These motifs reference the ancient practice of making ephemeral adornments from flowers.
These ornaments were formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many jeweled objects while traveling in India between 1879–1881. Today, his collection of Indian jewelry in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive assemblage of late nineteenth century bodily adornment.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.