India, Tamil Nadu, Chennai (Madras)
Armlet with Krishna Dancing Triumphantly on the Serpent King, Kaliya, circa 1850-1900

This outstanding gold armlet epitomizes a traditional type of ornamental armlet (vanki) worn by Hindu women on their upper arms. The design program consists of various figures, flora and fauna drawn from the rich artistic repertoire of Indian art and culture. The central image on the front depicts the Hindu god Krishna dancing triumphantly on Kaliya, a serpent king who had terrorized the countryside before being vanquished by Krishna and converted to his worship. Krishna and Kaliya are flanked by attendant women waving honorific fly-whisks symbolic of Krishna’s divine status. Additional figures set within the lace-like jungle of floral motifs include a kirtimukha (face of glory) paired with peacocks at the top of the armlet and, along its sides, winged griffins, elephants, tigers, and rearing lions.

(Source: radhikayai)