Object size: 37 x 10.5 x 0.5 cm With strap
This is a gold and gem-set armband or bajuband featuring Vishnu standing framed by a gem – set architrave, surrounded by foliage and birds set in rubies, diamonds and emeralds. He is also flanked by a pair of gem - set kirtimukha. Vishnu’s serene face is carved in emerald and his body parts finished in rubies and draped in diamonds; he is standing on a diamond – set lotus pedestal. The armband is crafted in three parts held together by hinges and tied to the arm by a cotton thread. The plain gold rear of the arm band is engraved with the figure of Harihara, a composite of Shiva and Vishnu flanked by images of a Shiva linga (Shiva in phallyic form) and the shanka or conch, an attribute of Vishnu. This armband represents a unique style of jewellery craft seen in the temple jewellery of Karnataka made between the 16th and 18th centuries influenced by the artistic styles of the Vijayanagar, Nayaka and Wodeyar dynasties which had Vaishnavite leanings.
