GOLD INDIAN MINIATURE BRACELET, CIRCA 1850s

Designed as a series of three plaques each centring on a glazed oval miniature depicting the Durbar procession (a Mughal ritual of Kingship) of the Emperor Akbar II (1806-1837). The Royal procession includes elephants carrying the Royal insignia and infantry. Painted on ivory, within gold repoussé work frames, to a wide band of circular linking, length approximately 177mm.

Originally from the collection of Sir Henry Smith thence by family descent to the present owner.  The bracelet was officially presented to Lady Smith as a thank you for Sir Harry Smith's victory against the Sikhs (Battle of Aliway) for which he was also made a Baronet.

Weighing approximately 91.70 grams. Miniature painting with vivid colours and gold highlights, occasional pits and scratches to surface. Glass with some light scratches. Supple linking to bracelet. Tarnished could benefit from a careful professional clean, scratches to mount consistent with age and wear. Repair to one hinge, only visible as highly polished area to front. Stiff clasp. In good condition.
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This painting on ivory is typical of the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This has almost certainly been taken from a processional scroll, a similar one can be found in a painting in the British Library.