Gilded Silver Groom’s or Deity’s Tiara (Taj)

This splendid tiara or crown of gilded (gold-plated) silver has been repoussed and chased with a pair of peacocks, foliage and other embellishments arrayed in symmetrical form.

Such crowns were worn by Hindu grooms at their weddings in keeping with the idea common across Asia that one is ‘royal’ for the day on one’s wedding day.

The crown is large and is obviously intended for a man.

Such crowns also were used to decorate the statues of Krishna and other deities during temple festivities and processions.

A related example is illustrated in Terlinden (1987, p. 46).

The example here is in excellent condition. The gold has softened with age it has a beautiful hue. There are no losses or repairs. It has been fashioned from a single piece of silver.