The Infant Christ with the Arma Christi

This important small polychrome ivory carving depicts the Infant Christ with the instruments of the Passion. In his left hand he holds the ladder, the column, the cross and lance with flag; in his right is a basket containing the nails. He wears a close-fitting tunic, and thrown over his shoulder is a cloak decorated in gold, as are his sandals and polychrome hair. The whole is mounted on a fixed base, with gold leaf and a band of diamond-point studs. The piece is from India in the 17th century but its precise provenance is unknown.