Bracelet with Lion Hinges

19th century
Not on view
This bracelet is studded with diamonds and rubies, and the hinges on this remarkable piece are ornamented with two pairs of confronting lion heads, a powerful symbol which could be associated with the wearer. The diamonds likely originated near the historical mines of Golconda, in south central India.

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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bracelet with Lion Hinges
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Southern India
  • Medium: Gold; set with diamonds and rubies
  • Dimensions: Ht. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
    W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
    D. 13/16 in. (2 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1919
  • Object Number: 19.111.2
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Bracelet with Lion Hinges - The Metropolitan Museum of Art