Armband (Bazuband)

Unknown

19th century · Gold, silk thread and glass; hammered in relief and chased · Islamic Art

Jewels worn on the upper bicep are known as bazuband and are among the most well-known adornments from India. This example is fabricated of gold, and features a small green piece of glass at its center, in emulation of an emerald. The red silk threads would be tied around the arm of the wearer to hold the jewel fast in place. This jewel was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many jeweled objects while traveling in India between 1879–1881. Today, his collection of Indian jewelry in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive assemblage of late nineteenth century bodily adornment.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gold, silk thread and glass; hammered in relief and chased

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915