Armlet, One of a Pair
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.
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
- 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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