Armlet, One of a Pair

19th century
Not on view
This type of armband (vanki) is in a style that is referred to as swami. Swami metalwork and jewels were produced in southern India during the mid- to late nineteenth century and are characterized by micro-repoussage depictions of the Hindu pantheon of deities. Here, the god Krishna plays the flute and is flanked by animals and gopis (milkmaids).


The most well-known swami metalwork was produced in Madras by the Anglo-Indian Company P. Orr & Sons. Mail-order catalogues produced by this firm facilitated the circulation of swami metal objects and jewelry to places as far away as England, the United States, and Australia.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Armlet, One of a Pair
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Made in India, Chennai (Madras)
  • Medium: Silver; cast and chased
  • Dimensions: H. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
    W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881
  • Object Number: 81.1.557
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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