-
Miao silver earrings from the Guizhou, China. The front is in the shape of a hand. High grade silver. Early 20th century. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 5 cm (diameter) Gauge: 5 mm Weight: 48 gr Literature: “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 170 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p. 79 SEA506
-
Angami (Naga) necklace with 7 rows of shell, glass and carnelian beads, with bone spacers. It still keeps the original composition, apart from the top strand of carnelian, that are a later addition. From 19th Century or early 20th century. Materials: carnelian, glass beads, shell beads and endings, bone spacers, natural fibers. Provenance: Italian private collection. Length of shorter strand: 90 cm Length of longer strand: 120 cm shell endings: 11,5 x 7,5 cm Width (bone spacers): 9 cm Weight: 666,5 gram Bibliography: Jacobs, Julian “The Nagas – Hill Peoples of Northeast India” Leurquin, Anne “Colliers ethniques” Daalder, Truus “Ethnic Jewellery and Adornments”IND1683
-
This is a 46-strand necklace of red glass Naga trade beads, all strung together and fastened with an old Indian coin. From 1st half of the 20th century. Dimensions: 55 cm Weight: 245 gr Literature: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 57 “The Naga”, Jacobs, Julian, Edition Hansjörg Mayer, 2012, p. 314 “Arte Naga”, Museo Nacional de Etnologia, Madrid, 1988, p. 37 IND1624
-
Bronze lime container that is suspended from a waist band. Worn by Naga people. Lime is needed for the betel preparation. From the 19th century, very nice patina. Due to the accumulation of lime on the edges the container doesn’t close totally. Dimensions: 6,5 x 5,5 x 5 cm Literature: “Ceintures ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004, p. 160 A similar example can be seen in the collection of the British Museum (London): https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1982-19-134-a-b IND1615
-
Necklace with old carnelian beads, alternating with bronze bell beads and some orange glass beads. Worn by the Ao Naga people. From the first half of the 20th century, although some brass trumpets and carnelian beads look older. Provenance: Italian private collection. Dimensions: Length: 72 cm Size of the biggest carnelian beads: 3 cm Size of trumpet-shaped beads: 5,5 cm Weight: 226,1 gr Literature: “The Nagas”,Jacobs, Julian, Edition Hansjörg Mayer, 2012, p. 324 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 338 “The splendour of ethnic jewelry”, Borel, France, Thames & Hudson, 1994, p.156 "Arte Naga", Museo Nacional de Etnología, 1988, p.36 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 64 IND1674
-
A two-strand of bronze beads. Each of the them has been cast by the lost wax technique. Most probably Kondh tribal culture, Orisha, India. From the 1st half of the 20th century or earlier. In the original stringing. Provenance: Italian private collection. Length (longest strand): 74 cm Weight: 191,9 gr IND1666
-
A three-strand of small bronze pendants and beads. Each of the pendants (1 cm high) has been cast by the lost wax technique. Most probably Kondh tribal culture, Orisha, India. From the 1st half of the 20th century or earlier. In the original stringing. Provenance: ex UK private collection. Length (longest strand): 78 cm Weight: 107,7 gr IND1636
-
Old Afghan silver ring, with an ancient glass inset. From the first half of the 20th century. Dimensions: Total length: 4 cm Size: 18,75 mm inner diameter (US size: 8 3/4) CA30
-
Silver belt with a hand made chain formely used by Son Koli fishermen of the Bombay area, who wore it below the navel over the dhoti (lower garment) to hold the dhoti up. High grade silver. From the 19th century or early 20th. Provenance: German private collection. Length: 87,5 cm Weight: 157,4 gr Literature: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 IND1647
-
Big silver Turkmen ring, worn by people of the Teke tribe, Central Asia. The Yuzuk ring is very simple. A large carnelian is set in a wide silver band, a thin twisted wire running around the base of the stone. The band may be decorated with a relief, sometimes a very complicated one, but the general effect is always that of monumentality and severity. High-grade silver, and a big old carnelian bead on top. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Top of the ring: 3 cm Ring size: 18,5 mm (inner diameter) or 8 1/4 (US size) Literature: “Bagues ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie et d'Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000, p.112 “Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009, p.261 “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981, p. 142 “The arts and crafts of Turkestan”, Kalter, Johannes, Thames and Hudson, 1983, p.127 “Der Turkmenenschmuck”, Rudolph, Hermann, Museum für Völkerkunde, 1984, p. 251 CA77
-
Pair of Berber cast silver anklets inspired from the oldest Meknes and Fez types, probably made in Marrakesh or Essaouira. Made of high-grade silver. The green enamel could be a later addition. The ram’s head hallmark indicates it is post 1925, from around mid 20th century. Dimensions: Diameter: 8 cm (3,15 inches) Width (widest point): 5 cm (1,97 inches) Weight: 360 gr. References: “Bijoux du Maroc”, Rabaté, Marie-Rose-Golderberg, André, Editions Eddif, 1999 “Bijoux Berbéres Au Marroc dans la tradition judeo-arab”, Rouach, David, ACR Edition, 1989 MAR62
-
Pair of silver bracelets filled with resin. These bracelets represent caterpillars, animals that have the power to turn into dragons. The dragon is both yan and yin: he is yang as a sign of thunder and celestial activity, and yin as ruler of the watery regions. From the Miao people, Guizhou, China. High grade silver. From the beginning of the 20th century. Provenance: European collection. Dimensions (each): Total size: 8,7 x 6,5 x 1,6 cm cm Inner diameter: 5,8 cm Back gap: 3 cm Combined weight: 82,5 cm Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 247 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p. 108 “De fil et d'argent, memoire des Miao de Chine”, Museé des Arts asiatiques, Nice, 2004, p.125 SEA485
-
Matching pair of Kazakh silver bracelets with rings attached with chains for the five fingers on each hand. The central medallion is an old coin (see pictures). Central Asia. Very similar examples were worn by Turkmen women, with the characteristic regional symbols and shapes. From the 19th century. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter of the bracelets (slightly flexible): 5,5 cm Back opening: 2,5 cm Size of rings: different sizes, contact me for more details. Weight: 124,3 gr Literature: “Kazakh Jewellery”, Tokhtabayeva, 1985 CA188
-
Pair of silver flexible “paizebh” anklets from India. High-grade silver. From mid-XXth Century. They can be opened easily with a pin. This kind of flexible Indian anklets look lighter and more frivolous than the rigid pieces that can be found in other regions in India, but they are usually heavier than they appear to be. Women in traditional Central India usually wear several flexible and rigid anklets on each leg at the same time. Check the post about Indian anklets in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Length: 30,5 cm Width (with dangles): 1,7 cm Combined weight: 98,5 gr. Literature: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Rajasthan's silver jewellery”, Pandey, Tripti, Rupa &co,, New Delhi, 2003 IND1577
-
Pair of silver flexible “paizebh” anklets from India. High-grade silver. From mid-XXth Century. They can be opened easily with a pin. This kind of flexible Indian anklets look lighter and more frivolous than the rigid pieces that can be found in other regions in India, but they are usually heavier than they appear to be. Women in traditional Central India usually wear several flexible and rigid anklets on each leg at the same time. Check the post about Indian anklets in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Length: 27,5 cm Width (with dangles): 1,2 cm Combined weight: 94,5 gr. Literature: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Rajasthan's silver jewellery”, Pandey, Tripti, Rupa &co,, New Delhi, 2003 IND1578
-
Pair of silver flexible “paizebh” anklets from India. High-grade silver. From mid-XXth Century. They can be opened easily with a pin. This kind of flexible Indian anklets look lighter and more frivolous than the rigid pieces that can be found in other regions in India, but they are usually heavier than they appear to be. Women in traditional Central India usually wear several flexible and rigid anklets on each leg at the same time. Check the post about Indian anklets in my blog for more information The anklets are 26,5 cm long. They both weigh 75 gr. Literature: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Rajasthan's silver jewellery”, Pandey, Tripti, Rupa &co,, New Delhi, 2003 IND1572
-
Pair of silver flexible “paizebh” anklets from India. High-grade silver shaped in a beautiful chain. From the first half of the XXth Century. They can be opened easily with a pin. This kind of flexible Indian anklets look lighter and more frivolous than the rigid pieces that can be found in other regions in India, but they are usually heavier than they appear to be. Women in traditional Central India usually wear several flexible and rigid anklets on each leg at the same time. Check the post about Indian anklets in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Length: 28 cm Width: 3 cm Combined weight: 227,6 gr. Literature: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Rajasthan's silver jewellery”, Pandey, Tripti, Rupa &co,, New Delhi, 2003 IND1571
-
Old silver tribal anklets, from Gujarat, India. High grade silver, with extraordinary worn patina. They were cast in a mold. From the 1st half of the XXth century. The pins to lock the anklets are lost, Small dent in the inside of one of the anklets. Check the post about Indian anklets here in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Inner perimeter approx: 19 cm round (7,48 in). Inner diameter: 6,3 cm (2,48 in). Weight: 500 gr. IND1051
-
These Sumbanese bracelets, worn by men and women alike, are easily identified by its graceful form and triangle decoration with dots. Age: 19th century or older. The object has been examined by an ivory appraiser and has a certificate stating that the ivory predates 1947. In very good condition, with no chips or damages. Dimensions: Total size: 10 cm Inner diameter: 6 cm Weight: 273,7 gr Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 294 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 206 “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, werelsmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p.352 “L’or des Iles. Bijoux et ornements d’indonesie, malaisie et philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Musée Barbier Mueller, Geneve, 1991, p. 296
-
This is a heavy matching pair of Turkmen bracelets from the Tekke tribe. Good silver content and carnelian gemstones, The silver was etched and fire-gilded. From late 19th Century or beginning 20th. Very good conditions, silver shows an extraordinary patina due to use. The Turkmens are a Turkic people located primarily in the Central Asian states of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northeastern Iran, Syria, Iraq and North Caucasus. The bracelets measure 9 cm long. Inner diameter (bigger): 65 mm Inner diameter (smaller): 62 mm Weight: 455 gr References: “Bracelets ethniques”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 “Der Turkmenenschmuck”, Rudolph, Hermann, Museum für Völkerkunde, 1984 “Old silver jewellery of the Turkoman”, Schletzer, Dietrich, Reimer Verlag, 1984 ME57
-
Gilded silver pair of matching bracelets. Embossed bracelets like this are worn by a bride in Palembang (South Sumatra), one on each wrist, according to Islamic tradition. She wears the bracelets in festive occasions as well. This pair still keeps some hard material inside to avoid bumps and dents. From the 1st half of 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,7 cm (2,64 inches) Total diameter: 9,5 cm (3,74 inches) Width: 3,5 cm (1,38 inches) Weight: 251,1 gr Literature: “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, werelsmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011 INDO21
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver and turquoise. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition, although the hinge is fragil and needs a silver wire to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 9 x 9 x 1,8 cm Weight: 93 gr ME255
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. An Ottoman coin is placed at the top as decoration. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier . It is in good condition, although the hinge is fragil and needs a silver wire to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 9 x 9 x 1,8 cm Weight: 97,3 gr ME254
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier It is in good condition, although the hinge is fragil and needs a silver wire to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 9,5 x 9 x 1,8 cm Weight: 93,8 gr ME256
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition, although both hinges are broken and the lid has to be attached to the base to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 8,5 x 8 x 1,8 cm Weight: 72,8 gr ME258
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 6,5 x 6 x 1,8 cm Weight: 53 gr ME252
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition. The hinge on one side is working, but the lock on the other side can not be fastened to the base. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 6,5 x 6 x 1,8 cm Weight: 43 gr ME253
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition, although both hinges are broken and the lid has to be attached to the base to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 6,5 x 6 x 1,8 cm Weight: 29,6 gr ME251
-
This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition. Although it has a lid, it doesn't seem to be openable, also no hinges. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 6,5 x 6 x 1,8 cm Weight: 52,8 gr ME250
-
Glass beads necklace from the Rabari people in Gujarat (India), with a central amulet in the center. Materials: low grade silver, glass beads, buttons, cowrie glass imitations. Dimensions: Length: 67 cm Size of the central amulet case: 3,5 x 3,5 cm IND1646
-
Old silver neck ring called “varlo” from Rajasthan and Gujarat, India made with silver wire wrapped around a thicker wire. Worn by both men and women. Silver has been tested as high-grade. From 1st half of XXth Century. The inner diameter of this neck ring is 16 cm 6,3 in). The inner perimeter is about 50 cm (19,68 in) Weight: 328 gr. References: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers “Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003 IND1313
-
High grade silver bracelet from Rajasthan, with nice worn patina. The top of it ends up in a lotus flower which is, according to the Indian tradition, a symbol of spiritual fulfillment. From the first half of the XXth Century. The inner perimeter of the bracelet is 18 cm round (7,09 in), and inner diameter is 6,3 cm (2,48 in) Weight: 160 gr. D40
-
High-grade silver two-hinged part bracelet (naugari) with projections of simulated gajre balls made from stamped sheet silver. From Rajasthan, India. It is usually worn with many other bracelets on the arms, covering up the whole length. From mid 20th Century or earlier It fastens with a pin. Sizes: Diameter: 14 cm Inner diameter: 7 cm Each projection: 35 mm Weight: 295 gr. Literature: ” Traditional Jewelry of India” by Oppi Untracht, page 255. “Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 IND1173
-
Old silver two hinged part bracelet (naugari) with projections of simulated gajre balls made from stamped sheet silver. From Rajasthan, India. The inner part was wrapped in cotton cloth to avoid the heat of metal on the skin and also silver loss due to continued use. It is usually worn with many others on the arms, covering up all length of them. From mid 20th Century. It can be fastened with a pin. Sizes: Inner perimeter 19,5 cm Inner diameter: 65 mm Outer diameter (between projections): 14 cm approx. Each projection: 35 mm It weighs 287 gr. Literature: ” Traditional Jewelry of India” by Oppi Untracht, page 255. “Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 IND1048
-
Old Indian silver bracelet from Rajasthan. This type of bracelet is also used as anklets in India. The silver content is very good, at least 900/1000. It is made with a thick layer of silver, which makes this bracelet heavier (267 gr) than other similar examples (usually around 70-100 gr). The work on the clasp area is delicate and finely made. From the XIXth Century. It is in very good condition, and it has a very nice worn patina. Women in Rajasthan wear a variety of anklets on both legs, that can be solid or flexible. A newly married girl wears a number of different bands extending to the rim of the skirt. There is a set pattern that follows in the order in which these bands are worn. Right on the ankle rest the flexible anklet, and all the others above it. Check the post about Indian anklets here in my blog for more information. The inner diameter is 72 mm. Inner round perimeter 23 cm It can be easily fastened with a pin. It weighs 267 gr. IND1169
-
Gold men's earrings from Rajasthan, India, called gokhru. The gokhru can be decorated with a chiseled pattern or can be covered with thorns (resembling their Himachali counterpart types, which are worn exclusively by women). This decoration imitates the ball-like blossoms of the Babul tree (Acacia Arabica) which is believed to be a favorite spirit haunt. The design with three balls can be traced back to Assyrian and Babylonian examples. From mid 20th century. Dimensions: 2,8 x 2,5 cm The earrings have a final loop that has to go through the earlobe hole, so slightly stretched earlobe holes are needed. A silver pin is included to be able to secure the earrings. Weight: 11,7 gr Literature: “Earrings. Ornamental identity and beauty in India”, Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2007 “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001 “Indian Jewellery”, Barnard, Nick, V&A publishing, timeless books, Delhi, 2008 “Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The Pepin Press, 2002 “The golden smile of India”, Van Gelder, Bernardette, ACC Art Books, 2018, p. 31 IND1579
