Châtelaine

Silver jewels of this type are known from the city of Madras in Chennai, and this ornament was probably worn suspended from a waist sash. The main decorative scene is a depiction of the Hindu god Krishna holding a flute in his right hand while dancing upon the head of Kaliya, the evil King of the Serpents. Krishna is flanked on each side by women with serpent bodies resembling mermaids. Representing the consorts of Kaliya, these naginis hold their hands in a prayer position known as anjali mudra, pleading for Krishna to spare the life of their husband.


This jewel was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many items while traveling in India between 1879–1881. He collected many different examples of jewelry from India, sometimes several examples of the same type. Today, his assemblage in the Met serves as an in-depth study collection of Indian jewelry from the late nineteenth century.