Nepalese Gilded Pendant

Gilded Metal Pendant set with Semi-Precious Stones

This stylised cloud-shaped pendant or breast-plate is of gilded metal (probably copper) and is set with gilded filigree wire and semi-precious stones including rubies, sapphires and turquoise and coral (some losses to the stones). The stones are set around a central motif of a ritual bowl full of multi-coloured jewels (nor gzhong in Tibetan). Ribbons of coral fly off from the base of the vase, which is surrounded by flower motifs. The metalwork includes pearled filigree wire which is a Newari trademark.

Four small wire loops (two at the top and two at the bottom) suggest that it was meant to be suspended and that something more was intended to be suspended from it.

The pendant is a fine example of Newar metalwork from the Kathmandu Valley. It might have been used in conjunction with a bejewelled ritual crown. Several stones are defficient but overall, the pendant is a fine, stable piece. It was acquired in the UK and most probably has been in the UK since colonial times.