Adornment
is part of the act of worship, performed along with feeding, bathing,
and entertaining a deity. Priests clothe, crown, and adorn icons
according to the time of day and season, and jewelry is intrinsic
to a deity, an expression of greatness. Sacred texts imagine the
heavens to be aglow with precious gems and metals, a vision reproduced
when a temple’s inner shrine opens to reveal the gold and
gems surrounding its principal deity. Wealthy Hindu and Jain temples
have extensive treasuries stocked by devotees who believe they will
reap merit from their gifts to the gods. Ancient texts mention gifts
of jewelry to Buddhist stupas as well, and Buddhist reliquaries
were often filled with gold, silver, and precious stones. On view
are a number of exquisite objects associated with temples and rites
of worship (puja). Many, such as the crowns, would have
adorned an icon.
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Silver
and gilt swing for a deity (possibly Krishna). India; 18th century.
Enameled
crown for a deity (probably Krishna) with diamonds, rubies, and
emeralds Central India; late 18th or early 19th century.
Photograph
of a Krishna shrine. 19th century.
Gold objects from a Krishna shrine: Western India; late 18th to
early 19th century (two rattles, parrot, and peacock); 18th century
(umbrella).
Schist reliquary containing relics. Gandhara (present-day Pakistan)
1st–2nd century C.E.
Gold throne for a deity with pendant glass beads. India; 1880s.
Sandals for a deity (padukas). Deccan; 17th–18th century.
Sheet gold over lac, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, pendant pearls.
Gold armband for a deity with image of Vishnu, consort, and attendants.
Central India; 17th to early 18th century.
Gold
pendant necklace with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls. South
India; 19th century.
Pair
of gold, ruby, and emerald ear covers (karnapatras). Orissa; late
17th or early 18th century.
Gold, ruby, and diamond votive image of a vessel. India; 19th century.
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