- 121
Burmese, 18th century
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
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Description
- Naga ring
- partially enamelled gold, set with twenty-one jargoons
- Burmese, 18th century
the tongue mounted so that it moves
Condition
Overall the condition of the ring is good with some wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age with some rubbing to some of the high point of the gold. There are several small chips to the enamel, including areas along the hoop and to the wing tips. Several of the jargoons have minor nicks along the ridges of the facets. A few do not fit well in their setting. The stone that formed the right eye is lost.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
These impressive and rare dragon rings have been a feature of all the great ring collections, including the Harari, Guilhou, Spitzer, Franks, and Koch collections. They are known as ‘Naga rings' because they are thought to represent the naga dragon which is thought to have sheltered the Buddha during a prolonged period of meditation. Chadour suggests that these rings were made for Royalty. (op.cit.) The extravagant design certainly re-enforces the idea that they were made for lavish ceremonial use. Another example is in the British Museum (op.cit., no. 2422). The present ring is unique among those referenced as it is the only one that is set with jargoons instead of rubies.
RELATED LITERATURE
O.M. Dalton, Catalogue of the finger rings..., cat. British Museum, London, 1912, no. 2422; J. Boardman and D. Scarisbrick, The Ralph Harari collection of finger rings, London, 1978, p. 88, no. 214; A. B. Chadour, Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch collection, Leeds, 1994, vol. II, p. 620, no. 1955
RELATED LITERATURE
O.M. Dalton, Catalogue of the finger rings..., cat. British Museum, London, 1912, no. 2422; J. Boardman and D. Scarisbrick, The Ralph Harari collection of finger rings, London, 1978, p. 88, no. 214; A. B. Chadour, Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch collection, Leeds, 1994, vol. II, p. 620, no. 1955