Enquiry about object: 4041
Indian Silver & Gilded Silver Braided Belt (Kamarpatti)
Maharashtra or Andhra Pradesh, India 19th century
length: 81cm, height of bezel: 6cm, weight: 332g
Provenance
UK art market
This fine belt of three cords or plaited or braided silver mesh and an elaborate buckle is made entirely of silver with the addition of chased and repoussed plaques of gilded (gold-plated) silver to provide a pleasing and unusual contrast between the silver and the gold.
The gold accents over the buckle comprise three protective kurtimukha masks.
The belt opens with a screw mechanism.
A belt of related construction but without the gold highlights is illustrated in Untracht (1997, p. 245).
The belt here is in fine condition. It has a soft patina and obvious age.
References
Untracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.
