AN IMPRESSIVE SIAMESE GOLD ARMLET FOR A ROYAL DANCER DEPICTING A KINNARI
Kingdom of Siam, 18th – 19th century. This museum-quality gold armlet was worn by a royal dancer on the upper arm. The front is adorned with a very traditional Hindu and Buddhist motif: the kinnari. This representation of a kinnari is quite realistic, the male body with protruding belly demonstrating the half-human character while the wings to the sides and bird-like claws contribute to the half-bird character. A small serpent rises from beneath his claws and he is inside a protective naga’s mouth as seen by the large fangs above his head and below his claws, with a small Buddhist stupa on the naga’s head.

Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition with few expected traces of age and wear as well as some soil encrustations.

Weight: 281.7 g
Dimensions: Height 12.5 cm, Width 10.0 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 546/1000

Metallurgic Analysis
The data from the metallurgic analysis posted in the catalogue entry for each lot in this auction relates to the proportion of fine gold contained in the gold alloy only. It does not relate to the gross weight of the lot, as the gross weight typically consists of the weight of the gold alloy and the weight of other materials added to the lot such as gemstones, soil encrustations, casting cores or other metals processed within the lot.