An exceptional ruby-set gold peacock pendant, South India, 18th century, of drop form, with two suspension loops, the bird with a diamond to its back and on an openwork ground, the whole within a frame of small rubies, the border a scrolling...

An exceptional ruby-set gold peacock pendant, South India, 18th century, of drop form, with two suspension loops, the bird with a diamond to its back and on an openwork ground, the whole within a frame of small rubies, the border a scrolling gem-set vine, the reverse engraved with the design, 4.9cm high, weight 10.2 grams This very fine pendant is kundun set with small cabochon rubies which have been painstakingly selected to fit the design of the pendant. The very fine quality of the gold work, the harmony or the design point to an 18th and possibly late 17th century dating while the lack of enamelling to the reverse indicates a South Indian rather than Deccani attribution.