Multan Cobalt Glass Pendant
Multan Cobalt Glass Pendant
A large pendant panel made of a silver and copper alloy, typical of the Multan workshops active in the first half of the 20th century. The front is covered with powdered glass in a deep cobalt blue colour, featuring a contrasting floral ornament. The decoration takes the form of a symmetrical composition known as the ‘tree of life’, one of the most recognisable motifs of the Punjab region. Pendants of this type were elements of larger necklaces worn centrally on the chest.
The characteristic decoration technique involved the manual application of powdered glass to the surface of a silver plate. This is not classical jewellery enamel in the European sense, but a local technique developed in Multan in parallel with the production of glazed ceramics. As a result, the surface of the ornament has a slightly matt finish and natural variations in colour saturation.
The upper edge of the pendant features a row of mounting loops, which originally connected the panel to the subsequent segments of the necklace. The lower part has been adorned with a set of decorative bells that give the jewellery movement and sound when worn. This design was typical of ceremonial jewellery used in the Punjab and in the borderlands between Afghanistan and present-day Pakistan.
The metal alloy contains a significant admixture of copper, which was standard for Multan production during the colonial period. Jewellery of this type was not produced as fine jewellery, but as a durable, functional ornament intended for everyday wear and family ceremonies. The natural patina visible on the surface confirms the age and authentic character of the object.
The floral ornamentation on the surface of the pendant belongs to the repertoire of decorations found in Multan ceramics, architecture and crafts. This motif appeared in jewellery as a protective and symbolic element, yet also served a purely aesthetic function. In practice, it was a hallmark of the local style, easily recognisable throughout the region.
Large segments of necklaces from Multan have survived less frequently than small pendants, as they originally functioned as parts of multi-element compositions. Pieces with a complete set of loops and preserved bells are among the most sought-after examples of this form of jewellery. The pendant is a clear example of Multan craftsmanship from the first half of the 20th century.












