Lot 301. A pair of diamond and enamelled bracelets (dastband) with makara-head terminals, South India, late 19th-early 20th century. Estimate 20,000 — 25,000 GBP. Lot sold  25,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby’s

comprising flexible entwined gold links decorated with pale blue, green, red, white and dark blue enamels, set with foliate diamonds, the terminals rendered in the form of makara-heads with agate-set eyes. Quantité: 2; 8cm. max. diam.

Notes: The use of mythical and aquatic creatures in jewellery has its origins in the early monuments of the subcontinent such as Bharhut and Sanchi. Jewellery from South India favoured the use of the yali and makara in their designs. This flexible bracelet dastband is similar in form to a bracelet and anklet in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (Moscow 2014, nos.124 & 125). Other comparable dastbands are in the Government of India’s Nizam Collection.

Sotheby’s. Art of Imperial India, Londres, 08 oct. 2014