
Indian Cast Brass Toe Ring
Cast Brass Toe Ring
India, probably Uttar Pradesh
18th century
height: 4.2cm,
length: 4cm, weight: 38.6g
This impressive ring is cast with what appears to be two traditional dwelling huts or grain stacks with a central bridge. The ‘huts’ and bridge are topped with bud-like finials. The sides are decorated with plaited bands.
The hollow-cast ‘huts’ contain small stones or pieces of metal so that the ring rings when the toe or foot is moved.
The ring here has substantial wear and a dark-chocolate patina. The underside is marked with an old collection inventory number.
A less detailed example is in the Victoria & Albert Museum and illustrated in Barnard (2008, p. 38). It has little patina and was acquired by the museum in 1872.
References
Barnard, N., Indian Jewellery, V&A Publishing, 2008.
Provenance
Private Collection, Germany, acquired 1960-81
Inventory no.: 1872
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