A six-petalled lotus within a lotus in tol-parh wirework is placed centrestage in what is an intricate interpretation of an Ardabil rug that's replete with Herati motifs, the typical diamond-shaped...

A six-petalled lotus within a lotus in tol-parh wirework is placed centrestage in what is an intricate interpretation of an Ardabil rug that's replete with Herati motifs, the typical diamond-shaped outlines that define the overall patterning of the weave, and a splendidly realised border. The carpet is entirely made of various types of katai and simple ball lines, only the corners wrought in raised pak-tar jalis that counteract the solidity of the infill and create an octagon out of the katai-work just as there would be in a genuine Persian rug. The lotus medallion in the middle is raised higher from the surface ; the edging on top of the ornament is ekka-wire and sat-karai phul while that at the wrist is topa-reji ; and the sides are framed in a straight row of chhela topas. A detachable kamal chain connects the Mantasha to a double-lotus ring to make it a ratan-choor when required, but the ring, with an adjustable band, can be worn independently as well.

As we've mentioned a couple of months ago (20th November,2017), it's not for us to examine history and validate it. Nor can we determine what's legend, myth or fact. We can but use our lesser art only to uphold and interpret in our own way the wonder of stories told over time and let you be the judge of their truth and beauty.

Here, the Swadisthana Chakra of Parvati finds pride of place in a classic rug from Iran. And because of the concentric lotuses, we've christened the jewel Padmavati, which, of course, is Lakshmi, by another name.

Unlike the raging controversy that a yet unreleased film by a similar title has caused, leading to near-militant situations in pockets of India, our jewel sees a peaceful co-existence of two diverse representations of cosmic patterns in stellar handicraft where each complements the other and the respect towards each's history seems entwined in such a way as to create an object of timeless and universal beauty.

Culture shared with love and respect can only foster peace, prosperity and joy for all. There cannot be any debate about this ; no argument will stand. And if any ornament can show this with equal parts symbolism, aesthetic virtue and functional integrity, this mantasha can. A handcrafted statement of syncretic splendour, in pure 22K gold, for all times ---- to wear with pleasure and great and much-needed pride.