Vaishnavite necklace

Title

Year/Period

19th century

Region

Tamil Nadu, South India

Material

Gold, diamond, rubies

Technique

Soldering, gem-stone inlay

Dimension

Object size: H:22.5 x W:12.5 x D:1.3cm

Accession No.

2006-01635

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This necklace is identified as a Vaishnavite necklace from its symbols associated with Lord Vishnu, which primarily are the conch, disc, mace and lotus. It was once used to adorn deities. Devotees donated such ornaments to decorate images of deities for daily rituals or for special occasions. The workmanship and quality suggest that it enjoyed royal patronage and was donated to a monastery.