INTRODUCTION
A necklace in which multiple pankhi (fan) shaped pendants are hung, the Pankhi Haar is a sophisticated necklace that evolved during Mughal reign. The design inlcudes elements of nature or motifs of Sri Nath Krishna.
INTRODUCTION
A necklace in which multiple pankhi (fan) shaped pendants are hung, the Pankhi Haar is a sophisticated necklace that evolved during Mughal reign. The design inlcudes elements of nature or motifs of Sri Nath Krishna.
ETYMOLOGY
The necklace Pankhi Haar comes from the word 'Pankhi' which means a traditional hand fan and 'Haar' which means garland.
OTHER NAMES
Pankhi Haar is also known as Saheli Haar and Kanthala.
ABOUT
The pendants are engraved with precious stones and are richly enamelled on the back. In some necklaces, Sri Nath Krishna motifs appear on the pendants.
MATERIAL
Often made of gold, silver, rubies, pearls, emeralds, kundan and polki. Inlaying hard stones with gold and precious gemstones was a common jewellery technique from Mughal India. Some pendants have tiny seed pearls and beads suspended from them and the verso is ornamented with meenakari (enamel).
DESIGN
The necklace consists of a single chain to which multiple pankhis (fan) pendants are hooked. There is usually an odd number of pankhis so that a central, larger one hangs in the middle.
PRODUCTION
Till today the main centre for the production of luxury jewellery in Rajasthan remains in Jaipur.
ORIGIN
The evolution of craft and jewellery reached new heights during the Mughal reign. It was during this period that many sophisticated new pendant forms, including the Pankhi, a fan shaped pendant were developed. Emperor Akbar, who was a great patron of the arts, facilitated workshops under which many Rajput masters developed and refined unique styles, combining Hindu, Mughal and Persian influences.
SYMBOLISM
The design often includes elements of nature, usually birds. Two parrots sitting together symbolise two female friends (saheli). The design of the ‘Pankhi’ is derived from a traditional Indian hand fan.