fabricated from gold sheet with repoussé and chased decoration, the makara head terminals with ruby-set eyes holding between their open mouths a spherical element depicting a kirtimukha on both sides, with gem-set screw to top, the hinged band composed of further graduated makara heads
7.7 cm. outer diam., 5.5 cm. inner diam.; 66.2 g.

Footnotes

Provenance
Private UK collection;
Given to the previous owners, the family of the pianist Jules Nicati, by the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX (reigned since 9 June 1946 to present)

Such bangles were worn by kings and princes in South India in the 19th century and were bestowed by them as a mark of favour. There is a comparable example in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (inv. no. 03291(IS)).

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- Islamic and Indian Art

≈	Item contains ruby or jadeite
	Please note ruby and jadeite gem stones of Burmese (Myanmar) origin may not be imported into the US. Rubies and jadeite of non-Burmese origin require certification before import into the US.

A ruby-set 'makara head' gold bracelet (Toda) South India, 19th Century

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Matthew Thomas