vanki
Armlet
18th century (made)
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.
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 | |
| Title | vanki (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Gold, worked in repousse, chased, engraved and set with rubies with moveable tongues. |
| 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, (vanki - a rigid armlet shaped in a double 'U' worn on the upper arm) with kirttimukha heads worked in repoussé, chased and engraved and set with rubies. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | PAIR OF ARMLETS
Gold set with rubies
South India, probably Thanjavur
18th century
IS.28:1 and 2-1997
Given by the Friends of the V&A
At the centre of each armlet is the expressive demon mask called the kirttimukha or 'halo-face', a motif often found in temple architecture as well as jewellery. It is intended to terrify unbelievers while protecting the pious. The armlets are thought to have been acquired in India by John Johnstone of Alva (1734-95), who fought with Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey. |
| Credit line | Supported by the Friends of the V&A |
| Object history | Thought to have been owned by John Johnstone of Alva, Clackmannanshire (1734-95) acquired by him before 1765. Given by the Friends of the V&A. Johnstone commanded the artillery for Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey. He may have acquired the armlets when a campaign took him south to Masulipatam in 1759, although having returned to Bengal he received rich gifts from the Raja of Burddwan, where he carried out revenue farmimg, and from the Nawab, whom he helped install. |
| 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 | John GUY, 'Gold in Asian' in Art Exhibitions Australia and National Museums of Australia, Gold and Civilisation, Sydney and Canberra, 2001, p.176
Barnard, Nick. Indian Jewellery : The V&A Collection. London : V&A Publishing, 2008. ISBN 9781851774838, p.118, pl.6.13. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.28:1-1997 |
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| Record created | November 8, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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