A GOLD AND STAINED GLASS (THEWA) PENDANT AND PLAQUE, 19TH CENTURY
This lot is a museum deaccession and is therefore offered without reserve

Northwestern India, Rajasthan Pratabgarh. Both intricately worked with neatly incised and punched gold overlays applied to a transparent emerald-green glass ground. The first, an octagonal pendant, is mounted in silver with an openworked scroll border, pierced suspension loop and small holes to the reverse, and depicts crowned Shiva seated in dhyanasana flanked by two attendants, each below a canopy framed by slender pillars, above a recumbent Nandi. The second is a plaque of oval form and presents a dynamic hunting scene, with three armed figures pursuing a lion, surrounded by pheasants and floral vines. (2)

Provenance: Galerie Hardt (established in 1976), Radevormwald, Germany, before 2020. Acquired by the gallery’s founder Peter Hardt (b. 1946) during his extensive travels, the first of which occurred during a formative world tour in 1973. Throughout his storied career, Peter Kienzle-Hardt organized countless exhibitions and participated in major international art fairs. He made many important contacts during this time and eventually met the Kienzle siblings, who shared his passion for Asian art and culture. A strong bond and deep friendship developed, ultimately leading to the creation of the Museum für Asiatische Kunst decades later in 2014. While the museum’s permanent exhibition predominantly comprised pieces from the Kienzle Family Collection, Peter Kienzle-Hardt supplemented it with objects from his own collection. Before his death in 2019, Horst Kienzle bequeathed his entire property to Peter and legally adopted him as his son, who has been using the name Peter Kienzle-Hardt ever since.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities including pitting to the plaque. Minuscule nibbles and light surface scratches.

Weight: 17 g (total)
Dimensions: Length 3.5-4.4 cm

The fascinating technique known as Thewa originates from the town of Pratapgarh in Rajasthan. The unique technique is a closely guarded practice and is claimed to have originated seven centuries ago, with the practice passed down from father to son. Although the appearance is similar to traditional enamel work, the process involves heat-fusing a thin gold foil sheet to the visible surface of an already existing sheet of glass. Light is reflected via a separate sheet of metal foil placed below the glass sheet. The craft flourished in Victorian times with British women purchasing them as souvenirs and returning to Britain with them. Articles of European style and function, such as the present lot, were popular luxury items for visiting Europeans in the 19th century. Themes often seen are based on Hindu Mythology or Mughal court scenes, historical events or they incorporate images of flora and fauna.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related Thewa brooch decorated with a hunting scene, 4.1 cm wide, dated to the 19^th century, in the Metropolitan Museum, object number 53.167.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 24 October 2022, lot 1216
Price: USD 11,340 or approx. EUR 10,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A group of Indian enamel jewelry
Expert remark: Compare the related belt, pair of earrings and three brooches with related green enamel and figural scenes.