Bracelet (Kada), One of a Pair
Not on view
This gold bracelet is one of pair and has been fabricated in openwork gold. It culminates with two facing makara or dragon heads, which also serve as its clasp. Small metal pellets within the bracelet jingle when it is moved, adding a musical quality to the beauty of the piece. Such sonorous jewels are sometimes known as jhanjhan.
The hinge of this bracelet is inscribed with the Chinese Shou character (longetivity) in flattened wire.
This jewel was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850-1932) who purchased many jeweled objects while traveling in India between 1879-1881. Today, his collection of Indian jewelry in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive assemblage of late nineteenth century bodily adornment.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
