-
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
-
Unusual matching pair of old silver bracelets, from Rajasthan, in India. High-grade silver. Etched decoration with dots and fish. From mid 20th century. In Rajasthan, women wear bracelets always in pairs, one on each arm. Dimensions: The inner diameter is approx. 65 mm The back opening is 40 mm wide Thickness: 17 mm Weight (both): 257 gr IND1330
