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A charming silver ring. According to the previous owner the ring is from from Aceh Sumatra (Indonesia).It's decorated with filigree. From the 19th century. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Ring size: US 8 - 18,25 mm inner diameter INDO100 -
Silver earrings, worn most probably by the Zhuang people, one of the ethnic minorities inhabiting SW China. They were decorated with enamel of different colors and they show a worn dent at the top, meaning that they were probably used hanging from a string on each side of the face. High grade silver and enamel. First half of the 20th century. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 5,5 cm (diameter) Gauge: 4 mm Weight: 42,3 gr SEA505 -
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 “Silver from fetish to fashion”, Nadler, Daniel and Serga, pdn publishing, 2005, 317 SEA506 -
Old silver earrings from the Hmong or Lahu people, hill tribes living in the Golden Triangle hills on the border of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. They have to be wear on extended earlobes holes. They have a row of dangles hanging from twisted wires, and beautiful etched decoration. One of the earrings has been restored. Material: high grade silver. From the first half of the 20th century Dimensions: 6,5 x 4 cm Combined weight 29,7 gr. Literature: “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 225 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p. 156 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 230 SEA489 -
High grade silver bracelet in spiral shape narrowing towards the end, used mainly by Wa/Lawa people, one of the Hill Tribes inhabiting the Golden Triangle (SE Asia). Age: First half of the 20th century Provenance: Italian private collection Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6 cm Width: 2 cm Weight: 75,5 gr Literature: “Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, Bangkok, 1998, p.42 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p. 159 “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 267 “Silver from fetish to fashion”, Nadler, Daniel and Serga, pdn publishing, 2005, p. 327 SEA495 -
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 -
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. 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. 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, 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, 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. 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 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 -
Old Silver belt from Maharashtra, India. Very good silver content, at least 800 or 900/1000.. It depicts a Kirtimukha face. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: French private collection. The buckle can be opened with a screw. Two thick snake chains make the rest of the belt. The length of the belt is 77,5 cm Weight: 229 gr References: “Ceintures ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 IND1692 -
High grade silver flat plain neck ring, mainly worn by Akha women (Hill tribes, Golden Triangle, SE Asia). These neck ornaments were made by hammering a silver plate until the desired shape was achieved. From early 20th century. Provenance: Italian private collection Dimensions: Size: 19 x 18 cm Inner diameter: 13,5 cm Back opening: 4,5 cm Weight: 194,2 gr Literature: “Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, Bangkok, 1998, p. 48 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 141 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p.142-144-5 “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 318 SEA492 -
Huge Yemen woman necklace, composed of three big triangular amulets profusely decorated with filigree and appliqué , bells and gilded medallions with illegible pseudo-latin inscriptions. They seem to be an imitation of Venetian zecchino, an used for decoration. A rare addition to this necklace. This kind of necklaces were sometimes made long enough (like this one) to be worn over one shoulder , extending to the waist. This kind of necklaces were worn in Bara'a (Tehama), but similar examples can be found in Saudi Arabia. High grade silver and gilded silver. From the 1st half of the 20th century Provenance: Belgian private collection Dimensions: Total length: 88 cm Size of the triangular amulets (with bells): 11,5 x 8,5 cm Weight: 452 gr Literature: “Silver treasures from the land of Sheba”, Ransom. Marjorie, The American university in Cairo Press, 2014, p. 94 “Traditional Crafts of Saudi Arabia”, Topham, John, Stacey international, London, 1982, p. 76-7 “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 22, 149 ME246 -
Silver Omani amulet pendant, with etched decoration and small bells at the bottom. Decoration of the back suggests the Oman origin. This piece is rare and looks very similar to some Afghan and Hazara pendants. Materials: silver and turquoise. From the first half of the 20th century. It was sourced in Riadh by the previous owner in the 60s' or 70s'. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 0,5 cm Weight: 38,2 gr A similar example from Yemen is in the collection "splendor and Shine" from Germany. ME249 -
Ceremonial hair comb called hai kara jangga, from East Sumba, Indonesia. On important occasions and especially during rituals following the death of a highly placed member of the nobility, women dance with these combs stuck into the hair bun as a crown. Marriageable young women wear the comb over their forehead. The combs are still worn today, but the custom is fast dying out. This one has bilaterally symmetrical cocks silhouetted and perched on top of antlered deer, depicted in open work with small and delicate designs. Antlered deer symbolise royalty. The fighting cocks represent the upper world of the spirits, ancestors and nobility, as well as the aggression of aristocratic warriors. An abstract central image between them most likely represents a skull tree called an andung, where trophy heads were displayed. Material: Tortoiseshell From the first half of the 20th century. In good condition, although one of the teeth (far left) is missing. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 15,5 x 14 x 5,5 cm For a similar example, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art website, accession number: 1987.447.15. Literature: “Parures de tête ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2005, p. 216 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 194 “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, werelsmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p. 428-9 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 216 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 212 “Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 289 “Sieraden, en lichaamsversiering uit Indonesië”, Wassing, Rita, Museum Nusantara, 1984, p 33 “Living with indonesian art”, Brinkgreve, Francine y Stuart-Fox, Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde, 2013, 281 INDO106 -
Pair of African bronze anklets, worn by Lobi tribe in Burkina Fasso. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 15 x 9 cm Weight: 1068 gr WA172 -
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 -
Vintage 22kt gold ring from India, inset with diamonds in irregular cut. From the second half of the 20th century. Provenance: Italian private collection Dimensions: Top of the ring: 1,5 x 1,3 cm Ring size: 6 3/4 or 17 mm inner diameter. IND1673 -
Rare woman's Toraja necklace, South and Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Materials: Silver, wood and painted glass. Most of the glass beads used by the Toraja were imported or derived from trading. The silver beads were probably made by itinerant Bugis smiths; the wood core were typical of Toraja and not found elsewere. From the 19th century or early 20th. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Dimensions: Length: 54 cm (no clasp) Each bead 2,5 x 1 cm Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 344 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 188 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 217 “Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 256-7 “Beads in Indonesia”, Adhyatman, Sumarah - Arifin, Redjeki, Penerbit Djambatan, 1993, p. 118 INDO104 -
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 -
Silver ring from the Himalayan region. Made of high grade silver and a big red glass bead. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Dimensions: Top of the ring: 2,8 cm Size of ring: US 7 (17,25 mm inner diamenter) Literature: “Bagues ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie et d'Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000, p. 155 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 291 “Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p.173 “Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas”, Clarke, John, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 2004, p. 25 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 155 HIM112
