The nine gemstones are ruby, pearl, coral, garnet, blue sapphire, cat’s eye, yellow topaz, emerald and diamond: the so-called navratna gems that represent the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astrology. Carefully arranged to follow cosmological rules, each panel is centred by a ruby – the gem of the solar deity Surya.
A favourite adornment of the Mughal court, this pair were made in Jaipur in the first half of the 19th century.
Seljuk incense burner
Incense burner from eastern Iran or Afghanistan in the 11th or 12th century – estimated at £3000-5000 at Chiswick Auctions.
Zoomorphic openwork bronze incense burners are perhaps the best-known metalwork creations of the Seljuk period in Iran. Felines appear to have been the most popular subjects, but birds of prey were also common.
This core of this 9in (22cm) incense burner in the form of a lion, was made in eastern Iran or Afghanistan in the 11th or 12th century. The head and neck of this example are a later addition while the floriated tail shows areas of resoldering and may be a replacement. It has a guide of £3000-5000.
*Denotes a participant in Asian Art in London
