Not currently on display at the V&A

Armlet

18th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Armlets such as these extremely fine examples in gold are worn on the upper arm. Known as Vanki, the shape of this type of armlet with a double ‘V’ is a south Indian design. At the front in the centre of the armlet is a kirtimukha or ‘Face of Glory’. This ferocious lion-like mask is often seen in Hindu temple architecture, where it has a protective function. On either side of the mask is a peacock.

The armlets are thought to have been in the collection of John Johnstone of Alva in Scotland (1734-1795), who served with Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gold, set with rubies
Brief description
One of a pair of gold armlets from South India dating from the eighteenth century.
Physical description
One of a pair of gold armlets from South India dating from the eighteenth century.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10.5cm
  • Width: 8cm
Credit line
Supported by the Friends of the V&A
Summary
Armlets such as these extremely fine examples in gold are worn on the upper arm. Known as Vanki, the shape of this type of armlet with a double ‘V’ is a south Indian design. At the front in the centre of the armlet is a kirtimukha or ‘Face of Glory’. This ferocious lion-like mask is often seen in Hindu temple architecture, where it has a protective function. On either side of the mask is a peacock.

The armlets are thought to have been in the collection of John Johnstone of Alva in Scotland (1734-1795), who served with Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
Associated object
Bibliographic reference
Barnard, Nick, Indian Jewellery: The V&A Collection London: V&A Publishing, 2008 Number: ISBN 9781851774838 p. 118, pl. 6.13 John Guy, 'Gold in Asian' in Art Exhibitions Australia and National Museums of Australia, Gold and Civilisation, Sydney and Canberra, 2001, p.176
Collection
Accession number
IS.28:2-1997

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Record createdNovember 8, 2002
Record URL
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