Antique tie or stick pin brooch. 18k gold. Made in France. 19th century - possibly earlier.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. Most likely made for a man, but suitable for either gender in today's world.
Measurements:
Weight is 2.4grams. 2 3/4 inches (7.25cm) long.
Description :
Bright 18k gold sculptural depiction of an "Oriental" figure, seated on a stylised, scrolling base, wearing some sort of pyjamas and holding an umbrella in one hand and with a parrot perched on the other. He wears a Turkish style cap with big tassles. Possible huge, curled moustache, much like those sported in Rajastan until very recently. Extremely fine detail.
The pin is twisted on it's upper section to prevent it from slipping off the garment.
Great workmanship and subject, beautifully depicted.
See the Story below.
Marks and Metal:
French eagle head for 18k gold, made in Paris. Partial view of a diamond-shaped lozenge for the maker.
Condition:
Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
During the 18th and 19th century, Europeans became infatuated with 'Orientalism' - a generic term for India, China, Japan and possibly the rest of Asia thrown in. This representation is a combination of interpretations by the 'West' of India, China and Japan and was not based on any factual reality.
Parrots were not a common motif in traditional Japanese and Chinese art, but rather a reflection of the views of Western Europe as they saw the 'exoticism' of China and Japan in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many figures created by the Meissen porcelain factory during this period represent an exotic 'Oriental' with both parrot and umbrella. This style and trend was immitated by porcelain factories in England and France.
Parrots were significant in antique India. A parrot in European representations of Indian artifacts signifies a complex interplay of exoticism, wealth, and spirituality, reflecting both Indian cultural importance and European fascination. The parrot became a symbol for India itself in the European imagination, representing the marvels and storytelling traditions of the subcontinent.
The tassles on the cap of the figure here represented hint at a Mughal emperor or aristocrat. The cap is more Chinese in origin. A great example of European ignorance on the one hand, but fascination with Asia during the 18th century.
