Antique Sri Lankan Silver Bracelet

Silver Bracelet with Turquoise and Rubies in Gold Mounts

Most bracelets of this type come from southern India. This example is relatively unusual because with the lion motifs particularly, it is identifiably Sri Lankan. The lion or simha, is a totem animal among the Sinhalese and represents power and majesty

It is a two-part, hinged hollow silver bracelet that has been cast with two fierce makara head terminals. Each has a pair of protruding eyeballs comprising or rubies set in gold mounts. Between the makaras, in their gaping mouths, is a magical jewel engraved with typically a Sri Lankan scrolling foliage pattern. The bracelet opens at the top and is held together by means of a central screw taht has as its head a turquoise-coloured stone set in gold and with the setting supported by four silver leaf flanges.

The bodies of the makaras make up the two halves of the bracelet and these are embellished with Sri Lankan flower patterns and prominnet lions with large manes.

This example is particularly beautiful with the attention to detail that has been paid in its construction. The interior of the top of the bracelet has not been left plain for the design continues, something for the wearer alone to enjoy.

Utracht (1997, p.254) illustrates an Indian example, and comments that such bracelets were given by rajas to their subjects as a mark of favour.

Coomaraswamy, A.K., Mediaeval Sinhalese Art, Pantheon Books, 1956; Utracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.