Armband (Bazuband), One of a Pair

Bazubands, worn on the upper bicep, were an important element in a suite of jewelry worn by men. This object and its mate (15.95.40) have been fabricated from gold and a number of gemstones which have been set in kundan style and foiled on the underside of the stone. Using foil covered with a layer of colored lack on the underside of a set gemstone was a common technique which enhanced the color of the jewel, but can deteriorate over time, as in here. The verso of this pair has been beautifully enameled in white, red, green, and gold—a traditional palette from Jaipur.


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.