Multan silver necklace, Pakistan

Necklace made of three amulet pendants with enamel from Multan, Pakistan. The cord and composition is original.

Each pendant has a hallmark on the back, that could indicate quality of silver of maybe the name of the silversmith.

From 1st half of XXth c.

Although such enamel jewelry was also made in some cities of Nothern India, it is clear that Multan was the main center. Usually, enamel is one color dark blue, but some elaborate pieces may have more colors (like this one). The value of this type of jewellery is determined by quality of silver and similarity of blue enamel to lapis lazuli.

Enamel technology used is champlevé, in which troughs or cells are carved, etched or cast into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel.

Dimensions:

Each pendant (with dangles): 12,5 x 8 cm (4,92  x 3,15 in)
Total length of the necklace: 55 cm (21,65 in)
Weight: 272,6 gr

Reference:

“Schmuck in Afghanistan”, Janata, Verlagsanstalt, 1981
“Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche

SOLD