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A gold marriage pendant from South India, worn by women in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The purity of gold is 22 kt. From the 19th century. The size of the pendant is 3,4 x 2,6 cm (1,34 x 1,02 inches) It weighs 4,3 gr. Literature: “When gold Blossons”, Aitken, Molly Emma, Asia Society & Philip Wilson Publishers, 2004 “Traditional Jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009 For more information about these pendants, check our post about Gold Indian talis IND1453
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Gold marriage pendants from South India, worn by women in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The purity of gold is at least 22 kt. From the 19th century. Provenance: Spanish private collection. The size of the pendants is 3,4 x 2,6 cm Literature: “When gold Blossons”, Aitken, Molly Emma, Asia Society & Philip Wilson Publishers, 2004 “Traditional Jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009 INDN89
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Rare silver and coral necklace from Uzbekistan, most probably from the Khorezm area. First half of the 20th century. Material: coral beads, silver, glass beads and Ottoman and Russian coins. The Ottoman or Uzbek coins are old and worn, one of them is dated in 1279 (1858 CE, the other ones are worn off and it is not possible to see the date. The Russian coins are dated between 1922 and 1929. Dimensions: Length: 62 cm Size of the bigger Russian coins: 2,7 cm (diameter) Weight: 162 gr Literature: “Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic jewellery of Central Asia”, Kadyrov, V., Rarity Firm LTD, 2007, p. 21 “Il corallo. Nell'ornamento dell'Asia islamica dalla Turchia all'Uzbekistan”, del Mare, Cristina-Vidale, Massimo, Electa napoli, 2001, p. 92 CA170
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Massive gilded silver filigree earrings called "karabu kudung-kudung" from North Sumatra. This type of earrings was worn by women on their wedding day and during other ceremonies that mark a transition to a new phase in the life cycle. The form of the pendant, with its four curved silver strips is somewhat reminiscent of a lantern. From early 20th century or older. Dimensions: 15 x 5 cm Combined weight: 105 gr Literature: “Gold Silver and Brass, jewellery of the Batak”, Sibeth, Achim, 5 Continents Editions, 2012, p.37, 60-62 “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, wereldmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p. 142 “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 261 “Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 275-6 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 201 “Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 364-5 INDO168
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Old Silver belt from Karnataka, India. A central belt buckle is attached to four thick braided chains with rossettes. Belts are worn by women over the sari. Two mythological animals are depicted here: the holy cow Kamdhenu and the elephant Airavati. Both bring happiness. High-grade silver. From 1st half of 20th Century. The buckle can be opened with a screw. Dimensions: The length of the belt is 83,5 cm Medallions diameter: 2,5 cm Size of the buckle: 13 x 5,5 cm Weight: 315 gr Literature: “Silver from fetish to fashion”, Nadler, Daniel and Serga, pdn publishing, 2005 “Indian Folk jewellery” Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2015 IND1141
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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
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Silver necklace from the Greater Kabilia in Algeria. These sort of necklaces, called “Azrar”, were given to women as wedding dowry. They were then use on especial celebrations and festivals. Materials: high grade silver, coral and enamel. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: German private collection. The necklace has 21 charm pendants in different shapes, also old French silver coins. Some of the pendants were enamel in blue, green and yellow. These colors and the enamel technique used on them are typical of Berber jewelry from the mountainous kabylie, especially from Beni Yenni. A red coral bead was inset on mostly all pendants, to protect the wearer from evil eye and illness. The necklace is shown in its original condition, and hasn’t been clean or repaired. Dimensions: Length: 41 cm Size of bigger pendants: Between 2,5 and 2,7 cm Weight: 147,4 gr It is fastened with a hook. Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 36 “Abzim Parures et bijoux des femmes d'Algérie“, Tamzali, Wassyla, Enterprisse -algérienne de Presse, 1984, p. 164 “Bijoux berbères d'Algérie”, Camps-Fabrer, Edisud, 1990, p. 94 “L'argent de la lune”, Makilan, 2015, p. 97-99 “El llenguatge de la joia”, Fundació Caixa Girona, 2008, p. 116 “Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 20 ARG141
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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
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A three-strand traditional coral necklace, called"namysto", from Ukraine. In Ukranian folklore corals were used to symbolize youth and health. Bright red beads meant that the woman was strong and healthy, but dull and greyish ones warned of disease. From the 19th century or older. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Length of the longest strand: 68 cm Size of the bigger central bead (diameter): 1,5 cm Weight: 134,6 gr Literature: “Splendor and shine in the river of time“, Steiner, Irene, Liechtensteinisches Landes Museum, 2020, p. 74 EUR19
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A four-strand traditional coral necklace, called"namysto", from Ukraine. In Ukranian folklore corals were used to symbolize youth and health. Bright red beads meant that the woman was strong and healthy, but dull and greyish ones warned of disease. From the 19th century or older. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Length of the longest strand: 68 cm Size of the bigger central bead (diameter): 1,4 cm Weight: 136,7 gr Literature: “Splendor and shine in the river of time“, Steiner, Irene, Liechtensteinisches Landes Museum, 2020, p. 74 EUR20
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Rare Minangkabau necklace,from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The necklace is made of high grade silver (gilded). While the oval filigree pendants with a central flower might suggest the stylized lotus, they are also typical of the star forms used in the Islamic design protocols of the Ottoman Empire, the Middle East and elsewhere. Late 19th century pictures show women of Solok wearing similar necklaces and it is likely that they were either made in nearby Padang on the coast or asembled there from filigree elements sent down by numerous silversmiths working in the Agam hills. The Central pendant is the biggest, and the rest have decreasing sizes. From the 19th or early 20th century. Dimensions: Length: 50 cm Size of central pendant with dangles: 6,5 x 3,5 cm Weight: 73,6 gr Literature: “Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p.286 INDO136
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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
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A pair of rare upper arm bracelets, from Hadramaut region (Yemen) and South-western Oman. They are beautifully decorated with etched and embossed work. They both have inside some metal pieces that make a nice soft sound when they are in use. High grade silver. From the 19th century or early 20th. In good condition, with some dents consistent with age and wear. Dimensions: Total diameter (each): 9,5 cm Inner diameter: 7 cm Combined weight: 88,6 gr Literature: “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 169 “Silver treasures from the land of Sheba”, Ransom. Marjorie, The American university in Cairo Press, 2014, p. 184 ME270
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Belt buckle from the Caucasus, made up of two silver elements with engraved and niello decoration of stylized geometric and plant motifs, enhanced with riveted nails and carnelian cabochons. Attachment system using a metal rod with an openwork button head connected by a chain to one of the two elements. The size of the belt buckle and the fine niello decoration shows the social status of the owner of this piece. Material: Silver, niello, carnelian and blass on the back From the 19th or early 20th century. Size: 40 cm x 8 cm Weight: 546,2 gr Literature: “Ceintures ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004, p.123 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 368 ME231
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A magnificent men’s ceremonial belt from the Caucasus. Made of 38 interlocking parts cast in the highest grade sliver. Each individual part is furnished with a hallmark on its smooth back. All the small parts are attached to a leather band preserving thereby the flexibility of the heavy silver girdle. All segments have a tender raised leaf-side, on the upper rim of which arranged in dense rows are double volutes. The lower edge is decorated with black Niello. High grade silver, hallmarked, niello and some remains of gilding. Dimensions: Length:79 cm Width: 4,5 cm Weight: 787,3 gr Literature: “Silver from fetish to fashion”, Nadler, Daniel and Serga, pdn publishing, 2005, p.112 “Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009 “Remnants of the past-Collection of Lousick Agouletsi”, Tigran mets, 2010 CA40
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Ottoman silver head or pectoral ornament, most probably from the Balkans region. The two ends have a hook on the back and a bail. Both pieces and the central hook were cast in a mold and gilded (two of the hooks are missing). The coins are dated 1223 of the Islamic calendar (1801 in our calendar). It is a complete piece, if very good condition, no coins missing. Material: high grade silver and glass beads. Dimensions: Length of the shorter chain: 60 cm Length of longer chain: 82 cm Weight: 403,4 gr ME227
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Silver necklace from the Greater Kabilia in Algeria. These sort of necklaces, called “Azrar”, were given to women as wedding dowry. They were then use on especial celebrations and festivals. Materials: high grade silver, coral and enamel. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: German private collection. The necklace has 21 charm pendants in different shapes, also old French silver coins. Some of the pendants were enamel in blue, green and yellow. These colors and the enamel technique used on them are typical of Berber jewelry from the mountainous kabylie, especially from Beni Yenni. A red coral bead was inset on mostly all pendants, to protect the wearer from evil eye and illness. The necklace is shown in its original condition, and hasn’t been clean or repaired. Dimensions: Length: 46 cm Size of bigger pendants: Between 3,2 cm Weight: 153,3 gr It is fastened with a hook. Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 36 “Abzim Parures et bijoux des femmes d'Algérie“, Tamzali, Wassyla, Enterprisse -algérienne de Presse, 1984, p. 164 “Bijoux berbères d'Algérie”, Camps-Fabrer, Edisud, 1990, p. 94 “L'argent de la lune”, Makilan, 2015, p. 97-99 “El llenguatge de la joia”, Fundació Caixa Girona, 2008, p. 116 “Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 20 ARG130
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Big high grade silver anklets from Gujarat, India, with deep repoussé work. These type of anklets is worn by Maldhari women in this region. The big balls are attached to the anklets. These tinkling bells announce the presence of the wearer and at the same time repel insects and ward off the evil eye. Age: 19th century or early 20th. Dimensions: Total size: 13 x 11,5 cm Innner diameter: 7 cm Width: 2,2 cm Combined weight: 775 gr Literature: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 273 “Indian Folk jewellery”, Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2015, p. 32 “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009, p.pl. 64 “Vanishing beauty“, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2016, p. IND1138
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Matching pair of silver hinged anklets natla, from Oman. The frontal side is elaborately patterned with engraved and embossed designs. They fasten with a pin. For a woman, after marriage, anklets were considered an essential part of the dress. High-grade silver (tested as more 800/1000). From the beginning of the the XXth century. Overall in good condition, they show some wear, consistent with age and use. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,8 cm Total size: 10 x 11,5 x 6 cm Weight: 860 gr References: “Silver. The traditional art of Oman”, Hawley, Ruth, Stacey International, London, 2000, p. 59 “Bracelets ethniques”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 145 “Oman Adorned”, Shelton, Pauline-Morris, Miranda, Apex Publishing, 1997, p. 118 “Disappearing Treasures of Oman”, Forster, Avelyn, Archway books, 1998, p.73 “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 102-103 ME283
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Extraordinary “Mansouri” necklace from Yemen. This kind of work is called like this because it was made in the time of the Imam Al-Mansur Ali I (who ruled Yemen between 1775–1809) From the 18th century. In perfect condition. The two conical ends don’t belong to the same necklace. High grade silver. Provenance: Spanish private collection. Dimensions: Length: 66 cm Size of the central hirz (with dangles): 9 x 7,5 cm Literature: “Collectible beads”, Liu, Robert K., Ornament, 1995, p. 131 YEM105
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Berber/Amazigh necklace, called tifilit from the Tiznit province. The composition is the original one, but the end of the necklace has been adapted to be used with a shell clasp. All beads and components are old. Coral, amber, amazonite, agate, shells, glass and silver. Dimensions: Length: 57 cm Diameter of the biggest amber bead: 3 cm Weight: 209,3 gr Literature: “Berber Memoires”, Draguet, Michel, Mercator fonds, Yale, 2021 “Bijoux du Marroc. Du Haut Atlas à la Vallée du Draa”, Rabaté, Marie-rose et Jacques, Edisuc/Le Fennec, 1996 “Berber women of Morocco” Fondation Yves Saint Laurent, 2014 “Amazics. Joies berebers”, IEMed, 2005 MAR58
