Gem-Set Gold Necklace with Floral Spray Motifs and Enamelled (Kundun) Floral Ornamentation on Reverse
Date19th - 20th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumEnameled gold, seed pearls, rubies, diamonds, red glass beads, silk and metal-thread cord
DimensionsOverall (length with cord): 1 1/4 x 37 in. (3.2 x 94cm)
Other (necklace without cord): 8 1/2 in. (21.6cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineGift of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Courtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Object number57.53
DescriptionThis necklace is known as a champakali, because its bud-shaped beads are said to represent the buds of the Michelia champaca flower. These red glass beads are inlaid with diamonds in the shape of flowers with attached clusters of seed pearls and rubies. The reverse is decorated with polychrome enamel with a red floral design on a white ground. The necklace is secured with a silk and metal-thread cord.On View
On viewCollections
19th - 20th century
