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Locket Pendant, Possibly a Pomander, in Shape of Shell with Animal-Headed Cap Flanked by a Small Bird on Sides

17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
The cap of the pendant takes the form of a makara (a fantastical aquatic beast) set with two turquoise eyes and a red stone in the center of its head. Makaras are Hindu mythological creatures sometimes composed of the body parts of many different animals and are prevalent in South Indian architecture. They are also often found on clasps of jewelry, and on decorative works such as ‘alams and ewers. Traces of a red residue suggest that the pendant may have been filled with an aromatic substancewhich would have escaped hrough the pierced openings

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Locket Pendant, Possibly a Pomander, in Shape of Shell with Animal-Headed Cap Flanked by a Small Bird on Sides
  • Date: 17th century
  • Geography: Attributed to India, Deccan
  • Medium: Gold; cast, embossed and engraved, inlayed with turquoise and ruby
  • Dimensions: H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
    W. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
    D. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, A. Robert Towbin Gift, funds from various donors and Josephine L. Berger-Nadler Gift, 2009
  • Object Number: 2009.148a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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