Enquiry about object: 4963
Indian Silver & Gold Bracelet
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India 19th century
length of face or bezel: 7.3cm, weight: 153g
Provenance
Collection of the late Paul Walter, New York, probably acquired in London
This delightful, hinged bracelet is from Andhra Pradesh. The central lotus motif is surrounded by four sacred swans (hamsas) and between them are yali faces.
The centre of the central flower is decorated with thickly-applied gold.
The band is hinged and opens with a long screw mechanism which turns anti-clockwise to close. The band is chased with three bands of floral scrollwork and are arrayed in a way to emulate a multi-link band.
A related, less refined example is illustrated in van Cutsem (2002, p. 201) and another is in Untracht ( 1997, p. 253).
The example here has a fine patina and plenty of signs of age. It is robust and stable. It would fit a lady with a small wrist.
References
van Cutsem, A., A World of Bracelets: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America, Skira, 2002.
Untracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.
