Enquiry about object: 6205
Pair of Cuff Bracelets
Northern India or perhaps Pakistan or Afghanistan late 19th century
heights: 9.7cm, diameters: 8.5cm, internal diameters: 5.5cm-6.3cm, combined weights: 490g
Provenance
UK art market
This fine pair of cuff bracelets of tubular armlets were worn on the forearm, They are of a silver alloy that has a decorative golden hue. They comprise sheet metal formed as tapering tubes. Both edges of each have been reinforced with ribbed tubing. The sides have been densely decorated with rows of applied diamond-shaped and other plaques.
The tops of each are decorated with several small metal bells.
They close with a small pin mechanism. (The actual pins have been presumably lost and replaced at some point).
Bracelets of this form were worn from Afghanistan to Pakistan to Rajasthan in India.
The pair are wearable, but also highly decorative and sculptural. They have obvious age and pleasing wear.
References
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
Untracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.
