Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 2784. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

[Jewelry and Ornaments] INDIA. Gold Finial. Circa 18th-19th century. Height 32mm, weight 5.99 g. A turban or crown ornament in the shape of a rearing cobra (naga). Base is a circlet 12mm in diameter with hinged clasp. Coiled wire and globules on base, the front set with a checkerboard blazon. The swelling hood of the cobra is elaborately decorated with fine beading and wire appliques. On the head of the cobra is a diamond shaped crown, which conceals a small tube attached to the back of the finial. Finial was probably clasped to the front of a headdress, with a post inserted in the tube to keep it upright. A small but choice example of the ostentatious wealth of the Indian Princely courts. Good condition, with some encrustation, light scratches to test the gold.

A naga prince sheltered the Buddha while he was meditating under a Bo tree when a dangerous thunderstorm approached. The cobra as a protective symbol was adopted by both Buddhists and Hindus.