Headdress Ornament

19th century

Not on view

This turban ornament in the form of a parrot is painted with polychrome enamel (mina-kari), a vibrant art form in Iran in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Enamel-painted objects take various forms including small medallions, huqqa bases, tea sets, bowls, plates, pins, dagger hilts and sheaths, and aigrettes such as the present example.

This object is notable for the refined quality of painting. The pose of the parrot with its downturned head and pearl extensions is reminiscent of jewel-studded elements from late sixteenth century Mughal India or the Deccan, making it all more interesting as an object demonstrating artistic exchange between Iran and India.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Headdress Ornament
Date: 19th century
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Enamel, gold-sheet, pearls, and semi-precious stones
Dimensions: H. 4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm)
Classification: Jewelry
Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 NoRuz at The Met Benefit, 2018
Object Number: 2018.218
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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