Diamond-Inset Enamelled Gold Sarpech (Turban Ornament) with Parrot and Cascading Ruby Grape Cluster
Date19th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumEnameled gold, diamonds, rubies
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/2 x 3 x 1 1/2 in. (11.4 x 7.6 x 3.8cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number44.43a-b
DescriptionThis charming, parrot-shaped ornament is a sarpech, an embellishment worn on the turban. The bird dangles a cluster of ruby grapes in its beak. Its body is enameled blue with a white belly adorned with red floral designs. An 11-pointed star studded with diamonds rests on its head. This charming ornament would have dangled and moved as the wearer turned his head.On View
On view
16th - 17th century
15th - 16th century
12th - 13th century
