Makara-shaped Pendant, anonymous, c. 1600

Makara-shaped Pendant, anonymous, c. 1600

rock crystal, gold, sapphire, ruby, h 8cm × w 10.5cm × d 1.8cm More details

This pendant is actually a little whistle: a channel runs through the middle of the creature’s mouth which connects to a notch in the stomach. A whistling noise is created by blowing into the mouth of the water creature (makara). This object, however, was intented primarily as an ornament and was inspired by European whistles made of precious metal that were used by admirals and other naval officers.

On display in Asian pavilion, room 2