#devilsball

Today was my second visit to the Oriental museum. I have spent the last few weeks occasionally returning to the numerous photos I took during my first visit, finding myself drawn mainly to three objects. One is the Devils work ball and stand, an exquisite ivory carving. Another is a gold and ruby Indian bracelet, and the last is a small carving of a jade lion. My intention today is to head straight for the three objects to find out a bit more about each. Hopefully, this will help me to reach a decision choosing which object to study.

Object 1: The Devils Work Ball and Stand: 

I had been drawn to this object because of its beauty, delicacy, and craftsmanship. It is truly a wonder to behold. However, I had already decided that I wanted to research an object which was originally purposed for use in its own cultural setting. When I read the catalogue entry regarding this object it informed me that it had been specifically made for the European export market. Perhaps a great angle for research but not what I had my heart set on. I reluctantly rule it out.

 Object 2: The Gold and Ruby Indian Bracelet:

Like many British families, my own has a history which has ties to India through the British Empire. My Grandmother was Anglo-Indian, and my Grandfather a British soldier stationed in India during the Second World War. She had lived a life of relevant luxury in India with servants and maids. After the war found herself in the west-end of post-war Newcastle expected to conform to the role of a British housewife. Her Indian heritage was severely downplayed, possibly due to racial connotations within what was a very working-class society. However, as a child I remember her numerous Indian ornaments, which, by that time looked very unusual and out of place alongside the chintzy care home decor. Specifically, I remember several Indian elephants made from stone and a replica of the Taj Mahal made of ivory. She also had Indian gold jewellery, which I had never seen anything like before, the colour was mesmerising. This is perhaps why I was drawn immediately to the gold bracelet which triggered a childhood fascination, along with the opportunity to research part of my own heritage. 

The catalogue entry was quite brief in relation to this specific bracelet. It gives no date or region but instead focuses on its cultural context. It was both a decoration for Indian women, and financial security, they ‘wore their wealth’.

Object 3: The Small Jade Lion Carving:

On my way out of the museum during my first visit I had spotted this small carving amongst several others. His sweet face and funny little expression had amused me, so I took a quick snap of him before I left. I thought he looked like a dog who had been told off for chewing a shoe! Every time I returned to the photos since, his expression made me smile and I vowed to find out more about him on my next visit.

The Decision: