Earrings always held a significant place in the jewellery of the Indians. They are invariably unique works of art, bearing religious or symbolic content.

This book brings a comprehensive documentation of traditional earrings in India, based on scientific fieldwork of more than ten years. The first part of the book gives a general survey of the historical relations to the Mediterranean area and to·» classical earring forms of the ancient sculptures and archaeological finds. The evolution of different earring shapes and the differences between north and south are discussed.

In the catalogue part, 170 specific earring types with numerous subtypes are represented. In over 400 colour illustrations of persons and ornaments, the amazing variability of every type is shown. The origin and history of each piece are described; technical details, as the weight, size and used material are given. The modes of fastening are summarized in a systematic classification according to the applied lock types.

The book records a significant part of the material Indian culture, as it has existed since many centuries. “Earrings” is equally important to s the admirer and collector of old Indian jewellery, as to the student of design and to the jewellery dealer, satisfying the demands of his customers.
pp. iv + 284, Frontispiece (Col.), Figures, Illus. (Col.), Maps