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Lot 92
 
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An 'Aarsi' Ring    


Silver and glass

20th century
Northern India



'Large 'aarsi' or mirror rings such as the present lot were usually worn on the right thumb. Originally a Mughal ornament, worn along with a 'hathphul' or hand ornament, these rings have been in fashion for more than three centuries and are found in several variations.In the present lot, the central mirror has been replaced wit coloured glass, matching the ornamentation around it.

In his documentation of his stays at the Mughal courts, Niccolau Manucci writes, "On [the seraglio women's] fingers are rings, and on the right thumb there is always a ring, where, in place of a stone, there is mounted a little mirror, having pearls around it. This mirror they use to look at themselves, an act which they are very fond, at any and every moment" (Storia do Mogor, 1653-1708).




Other similar works in: this auction  |  entire site



  Lot 92 of 120  

FOLK AND TRIBAL ART AUCTION
26-27 FEBRUARY 2013
Estimate
Rs 12,000 - 15,000
 $235 - 290

RESERVE NOT MET









Similar pieces have been illustrated in Traditional Jewelry of India, Oppi Untracht, Thames and Hudson, London, 1997 (pl. 620, 623)



 



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