Indian Brass Bar Chain

Mid-18th century brass, still drawing a straight line.

Craftsmen of Gujarat, India, made this bar chain in brass in the mid 18th century. Bar chains in western India are commonly associated with hanging swings and heavy lamps, and they were often made to carry real weight. The hook at the bottom ends in a small animal-like head. Above it, spool-shaped bars alternate with twisted loops and rounded beads. The metal is dark and varied, with a pale green bloom of age along the lower links and a warm brown where hands have worn it.

About 80 inches long. Hang it as a sculpture, and it works.