AN EXTREMELY RARE SRI LANKAN OR SOUTH INDIAN IVORY ARMREST

17th century

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The shaft at both ends knobbed, the rest ending in two celestial creatures heads.

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L. 45 cm

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Note:

Arm rests similar to this one, made of jade sometimes inlaid with rubies and other precious stones are known from Mogul India. They were used by princes or holy men for leaning on as arm support while sitting on a carpet or lounging and reading, for instance, the Koran. This one, however, is not Mogul Indian in style but rather Sri Lanka or South India in a style which, as far as we know, is unique.

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