Gem-Set Enameled Gold Falcon

This magnificent gold and gem-set falcon, set with table-cut rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and onyx, and enamelled in white, black and green, is a true testament to the continued mastery of Indian craftsmanship. The polychrome jewels and enamels glow against the gold surrounded by finely cast and chased collets in variegated shapes of feathers and markings. The falcon has a sapphire and emerald-set beak and wears a faceted emerald cap. The white enamelled chest, decorated with stylized feather markings in deep green resembling cloud bands or tiger stripes, is embellished in the centre with a golden sapphire set within an octagonal collet of rubies and diamond clusters. The sapphire and onyx claws perch on a ruby-set stand. Every detail of this falcon has been delicately crafted, and while falcons were considered royal birds by the Mughals, this example was most likely made more recently in a North Indian workshop (possibly Jaipur) which continued in the tradition of Mughal jewellery making.