Ollemans is another overseas dealer showing at The Pagoda, bringing a selection of gold items from all over Asia. Among them is this 19th century gold pendant from Tamil Nadu, south India, part of an auspicious Chettiar wedding necklace (Kali Thiru).
The Chettiars were former salt merchants, part of the caste of rich merchants once settled on the Coromandel coast who moved inland. Their wedding necklaces comprised a large central pendant flanked by several smaller examples like this one.
The pieces evoked the crab claws and shells that the Chettiars wore as ornaments or represented the hands of the bride and groom.
The necklaces were part of the dowry offered by the parents to their daughter and remained part of the bride’s property.
This example, which measures 4¾ x 4in (12 x 10cm), and is set with rubies and red stone, comes from a private English collection and is priced at €15,000.
