Welcome to my Shop with a selection of unique pieces devoted to the exhibition and online sales gallery of traditional tribal jewellery of India, specializing in Antique Indian Amulets, Semiotic Symbols of Supernatural Power, Tibetan Gau or Ghau Boxes, Tibetan and Himalayan Ornaments and Ethnic Jewellery.

Unique antique silver items with age are now becoming very difficult to find in India today. The traditions relating to these antique pieces is gradually dying out. With the abundance of gold and silver jewellery produced for marriages and temple use over the centuries, due to the tradition of melting the old for the new, there remains only a small quantity of genuine antique pieces or because old pieces that have been passed down for generations through family members do not leave the family heirloom. Each piece is entirely unique and a rare historical artifact made by village craftsmen with an extraordinary level of care.

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EACH ETHNIC JEWEL IN MY SHOP IS SELECTED BASED ON AUTHENTICITY and ARTISTIC VALUE

 Please feel free to email to me if you require any further information about my products and it will be a pleasure to provide you with the information you require:

email:   jasmineium2@bigpond.com

My SHOP – PRODUCTS FOR SALE PAGE gives full details about each item shown

JASMINEIUM – ANTIQUE INDIAN ETHNIC TRIBAL JEWELLERY & HIMALAYAN ORNAMENTS

I also have an ETSY SHOP – Jasmineium – Antique Indian Ethnic Tribal Jewellery & Himalayan Ornaments – listing Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau or Ghau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes, Antique Sri Lankan Jewellery and other Old Ethnic Tribal Jewellery.

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eCommerce You Can Trust:  The Shop – Products Page Online Store utilizes a system which features electronic payment leader PayPal™.  You can be assured that your financial information is encrypted, safe and secure.  Paying online does not require you to have a PayPal™ account.  Simply check out as a Guest and choose the “Credit/Debit Card” option under Payment Methods, alternatively you can select “Don’t have a PayPal account?.

I SHIP WORLDWIDE

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10% DISCOUNT ON ALL LISTINGS IN MY ETSY SHOP
ENDING 28th FEBRUARY, 2018

 

NEW ARRIVALS

ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN AMULET BOX, KARNATAKA
Indian Prayer Box, Taweez, Taviz, High Grade Silver, 11.5 cm (4 5/8″), 131.4 Gram (4.630 oz.)

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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN SILVER BELT, KERALA
Can be worn as a Necklace
 Solid, High Grade Silver, 72.4 cm (28 1/2″) 225 Grams (7.94 oz.)

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA BRACELET, ANKLET or ARMLET
Taviz Prayer Boxes, Silver Fluted Bicone Beads, Kandy, Sinhalese, 64.4 Grams, 23 cm (9″)

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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, GUJARATI PRAYER BOX AMULET NECKLACE
Taviz Box Beads, High Grade Silver Double Snake Chain, 49.5 cm ( 19 1/2′), 159 Grams

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE
Silver Gilt Cylinder Amulets, Taviz, 53 cm (21″) Silver Gilt Snake Chain, 46.6 Grams

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VINTAGE SRI LANKA CHOKER NECKLACE
Silver Gilt Padakam Pendant, Sinhalese, High Relief Repousse, 38 cm (15″),  56.2 Grams

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ANTIQUE INDIAN BRACELET, ANKLET
Gujarat or Rajasthan, Two Part Hollow Hinged, High Grade Silver, 223 Grams

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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN AMULET BOX, KARNATAKA, 19th CENTURY
Taweez, Taviz, High Grade Silver, 11.5 cm (4 5/8″), 131.4 Gram (4.630 oz.)

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This is a beautiful antique, from the 19th century, large high grade silver round tubular amulet pendant container from Karnataka, South India and is 11.5cm (4 5/8″) long.  The tube has three bands of repousse floral designs and very fine chasing. The applied top section has eight decorative bales with lotus bud finals. The box has decorative lotus bud finals on each end. The center is ornamented with the the Gandaberunda (also known as the Berunda) is a two-headed mythological bird of Hindu mythology thought to possess magical strength. It is used as the official emblem by the Karnataka government. The ends are the mythical animals made of the Makara head and Peacock and found on stone carvings in Karnataka temples. The box unscrews at one end and has a copper outer cylinder for the insertion of magical protective objects and “mantras”. There is also another brass cylinder to seal the contents in.

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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN SILVER BELT, KERALA
Can be worn as a Chain Necklace
 Solid, High Grade Silver, 72.4 cm (28 1/2″) 225 Grams (7.94 oz.)

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This is a heavy in the hand, solid, high grade silver link handmade chain belt from Kerala, South India. This belt could also be worn as a necklace as detailed in the listing photos, although rather heavy.  These type of belts were used in the 19th century by wealthy Kerala fishermen who wore it below the navel over the white dhoti (lower garment) to hold the dhoti up.  The belt is of a very high quality and comprises one strand of thick, rectangular links that fit closely together and the ornamented center belt fastener opens to one side with a central screw pin mechanism.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN SILVER AMULET BOX NECKLACE, GUJARAT or RAJASTHAN
Taviz, Prayer Boxes, High Grade Silver Double Snake Chain, 49.5 cm ( 19 1/2″), 159 Grams (5.60 oz.)

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This is a beautifully made early to mid 20th century high grade silver box amulet pendant and six small decorative container like amulets from Gujarat, northern India.  The amulet pendant is part of a necklace supported on two high grade silver snake chains and is called Bhuj, Kachchh.   All the sets of delicately made decorative bells (ghunghrus) jingle with movement.

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN OVAL DOMED GAU BOX NECKLACE
Tibetan Heirloom Turquoise, Translucent Tridacna Giant Clam Beads
Eyed Bodhi Seed Beads, Rudraksha Seed Beads,  51cm (20″), 84Grams

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This is a beautifully ornamented with filigree work, silver beaded wire and turquoise cabochons Tibetan Ga’u box. The oval domed front is of lower grade silver (80%) approx. The Gau Box necklace dates from the early to late 19th century.   

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ANTIQUE LADAKH NECKLACE, TURQUOISE, CORAL
High Grade Silver Beads, Three Strands,  52cm (20 1/2″), 80 Grams

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The antique Ladakhi necklace with three strands of very old and well worn coral and hand made silver spacer beads falls from a three holed spacer bead.   At the middle each strand is four traditional Ladakhi lotus bud flowers,  two focal beads and a round silver bead,  and a very old turquoise bead with the smooth surface in the inside of the hole as a true signature of age. 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, MADHYA PRADESH SILVER EARPLUG EARRING PENDANT
Antique Round Chinese Turquoise Beads,  RARE Sri Lanka Silver Beads, 65 cm (25 1/2″), 105 Grams

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

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This is a beautifully ornamented high grade silver earplug earring (dhar) from Madhya Pradesh from the 19th century.  This earplug earring is now the focal pendant of the necklace.  It has a very fine silver wire circles and floral units added around a central raised lotus bloom with a turquoise cabochon.  There are six RARE Sri Lankan silver beads with very fine granulation designs and on either end of these beads are twelve beautifully detailed silver spacer beads decorated with silver wire and granulation, also from Sri Lanka. There are 12 very old Chinese round – mostly pale green in color, turquoise beads which display very little matrix. 

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER LAC BEADS NECKLACE
Sinhalese Silver Necklace, Antique Ceylonese Necklace, 57 cm (22″), 147 Grams

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This is a 19th century, silver lac beads necklace made with a thin outer silver layer over an inner wax substance from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. There are twenty five large cube and fluted melon beads graded in size and thirty silver spacer beads (also filled with lac). Some have the old method of dove tailing in the joins.  Just beautiful. The necklace has been strung on a fine but sturdy silver twisted wire and has a “S” hook clasp for closing.

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE
Silver Gilt Cylinder Amulets, Taviz, 53 cm (21″) Silver Gilt Snake Chain, 46.6 Grams

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These are late 19th or early 20th century repousse cylinder amulet cases from Sri Lanka. The outer cases are fashioned from a high grade silver, heavy 18ct gilt, stamped sheets.  One amulet case has cut out work.  The cylinders are ornamented with bands of repousse floral designs.  The top section has three bales.  The flat ends have a small granule on each end.  The boxes open at one end the the silver gilt inner case slips out for the insertion of magical protective objects and “mantras”. This type of double tube is also used in South Indian prayer boxes.

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VINTAGE SRI LANKA CHOKER NECKLACE
Silver Gilt Padakam Pendant, Sinhalese, High Relief Repousse, 38 cm (15″),  56.2 Grams

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This is an vintage, early to mid 20th century example of a small padakam pendant traditionally worn by Sinhalese women from Kandy, the old capital city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, (formerly Ceylon). It is known as in the “Kandyan Tradition” style with the high relief repousse silver gilt metalwork – almost three dimensional repousse.  The pendant is quite small – 4 cm (1 1/2″) in length, slightly convex with a separate backing plate and entirely covered by interlacings scrolling vines. It is fringed with a row of finely attached by silver wire green faux deep green pearl bead dangles.  The choker linked chain decorated with floral units is 1.5 cm (5/8″) wide. The choker has some weight to it at 56.2 grams. This ling chain has been made with great care and each link join has been individually soldered closed.

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER GILT, FILIGREE BEADS NECKLACE
Antique Ceylonese Necklace, Sinhalese, Kandy, 58 cm (23 1/2″), 46 Grams

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This is an early 20th century, silver gilt necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The necklace has three faceted bicone graded in size open end beads which are joined by interlocking and ending with 2 cone beads and three decorative small silver gilt beads.

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER BEADS NECKLACE
Silver Filigree Beads, Antique Ceylonese Necklace, Sinhalese, Kandy, 64cm (25″), 59 Grams

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This is a 19th century to early 20th century, very well worn silver necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The necklace has seven beads, a center oval bead and four faceted bicone graded in size open end beads are joined by interlocking, ending with two cone beads. 

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SMALL SILVER PADAKAM OR PENDANT
Sinhalese, Kandy, High Relief Repousse, 46cm (18″) Sterling Silver Snake Chain, 16.6 Grams

This pendant was used to attach to the center front of the bodice at the neckline and worn by the Kandyan, Sinhalese women of Sri Lanka. The photo below illustrates the pendant being used in this way. c. 1800’s

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This is  a very small, 19th century, fine example of a pendant traditionally worn by Sinhales women from Kandy, the old capital city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, (formerly Ceylon).  It is known as in the “Kandyan Traditional” style with the high relief repousse silver metalwork.  The centre was originally gilded.

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA COPPER BEADS NECKLACE & MATCHING FINGER RING
Ceylonese, Sinhalese, Kandy, 51 Grams

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This is a antique, solid copper necklace and finger ring set from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands.  This type of Sri Lankan necklace is very hard to find today. It has a hook for closing.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, RAJASTHAN, NORTHERN INDIA
Ganesh and Pavarti Amulet Box, 10 Square Prayer Boxes,  Two Taviz,
120.6 Grams (4.25 oz.)

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This is a beautifully made late 18th to late 19th century high grade silver prayer box amulet pendant and ten small decorative prayer box pendants with matching borders and floral units, two taviz prayer boxes with bells and two silver fluted melon shape beads from Rajasthan, northern India. The Ganesh and Pavarti amulet is part of a necklace supported on a black cotton thread cord.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, SILVER KOLHAPURI SAJ (SAAZ), MAHARASHTRA
Originally Gilded, 32 Pendants, Central Lotus, 51.5 Grams

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

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This is a 19th century traditional handmade form of the Maharashtran necklace known as Kolhapuri Saj (Saaz). The single row silver marriage necklace is made up of thirty-two small thin repousse, three dimensional relief pendants from a silver sheet, each with a different Vashnavite symbolic meaning, and also symbols of ashtamangala.  The necklace has a central marriage ornament pendant of a stylized lotus (padma) surrounded by two rows of gajre balls. There are two silver fluted bicone beads in between each pendant (68 beads in total). The gajre balls and small bicone beads have been filled with lac or wax.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN TAVIZ NECKLACE, KERALA, SOUTH INDIA
Six High Grade Silver Prayer Box Amulets, Glass Beads, Silver Cornerless Cube Beads
64 Grams, 51cm (20″)

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Early 20th century, high grade silver rectangular hexagonal amulet pendant containers from Kerala State, South India.  The six silver containers are strung on a silver snake chain with a seven cornerless cube beads and bone colour glass beads. The old glass beads are very uniform and well made.

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VINTAGE INDIAN NECKLACE
Jasmine Bud Flowers, High Grade Silver,  43 cm (17″),  44.3 Grams

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Vintage, dating to mid 20th century, genuine, solid high grade silver, flexible jasmine bud necklace and fine weave extension chains from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Western India.  It has a marking on the end closing – RA – and Indian Silver Hallmark, most probably Rathod Arts from Kolhapur.  The fringe linked drops with 27 fragrant jasmine buds with same decoration on both sides.  The two side chains are double strand, very high quality, fine silver weave chains hinged together and embellished with floral units.

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ANTIQUE DHEBARIA RABARI TWIN NAGALI LOBE EARRING PENDANT NECKLACE
RARE
Silver, Goldwashed, Black Cotton Gold Thread Cord, Rajasthan, 18.6 Grams

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This is an early to mid 20th century traditional high grade silver, goldwashed, Nagali women’s lobe earring worn by married Dhebaria Rabari women. The Dhebaria Rabari of Pushka are nomadic people who move between Gujarat and the Rajasthan.  This is a beautiful and rare example with a silver band across the front of the earring decorated with stamped florals and two Sun symbols. The elders of the Dhebaria Rabari forbade all women quite some years ago not to wear these earrings, even if they own them. This style of Nagali earring are extinct now and very expensive if you come across a pair. 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN CHALLA or WAIST SKIRT ORNAMENT
Indian Dangle Pendant with Bells, Rajasthan
Afghani High Grade Silver Chain, 51 cm (20″), 102.6 Grams

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

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This piece is entirely unique and a rare historical artefact made by village craftsmen with an extraordinary level of care.  This is a truly beautiful piece of jewellery making from India of a 19th or early 20th century high grade antique Challa or Waist Skirt Ornament from Rajasthan.  The house keys are usually attached to this piece. The pendant is heavy and in excellent condition with all hand made bells intact.  It has a lovely tinkling sound with movement.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET NECKLACE
FISH FERTILITY PENDANT
Hollow, Repousse, Chased, Gilded, Northern India, 41.7 Grams
61 cm (24″) Silver Snake Chain

 

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This piece is entirely unique and a rare historical artefact made by village craftsmen with an extraordinary level of care. The jewellers of Kangra in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, were famous for their silver jewellery skills. Kangra was the kingdom of Rajput in earlier days.    The fish is a female fertility symbol in India, due to is supposed formal resemblance to the human female reproductive organs, the fish might have assumed that status in the primitive past.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTINGS, BALA KRISHNA AMULET PENDANTS
Hand Painted Watercolour, Gold Paint, High Grade Silver, Glassed, 23 Gram Approx. each

1. USD $185.00  More PRODUCT images & information
2. USD $185.00   More PRODUCT images & information
3. USD $195.00  More PRODUCT images & information
4.  USD $195.00  More PRODUCT images & information
5. USD $195.00  More PRODUCT images & information 

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VINTAGE INDIAN AMULET, SHRINATHI JI PENDANT, YOUNG KRISHNA AMULET
Rajasthan, High Grade Silver, Large, Heavy at 179 Grams (6.31 0z.)

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This is a vintage, most probably within the last 10 years, high grade silver amulet pendant. Shrinathji is a form of the Hindu god Krishna, manifest as a seven-year-old child. The principal shrine of Shrinathji is situated at the temple town of Nathdwara, located 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan. The icon of Shrinathji is specific as the deity symbolises the form of Krishna, when he lifted the Govardhan hill. In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right hand made into a fist resting at the waist, with a large diamond placed beneath the lips which is known as chibuk.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, GANESH AND PAVARTI
c. 1800’s, High Grade Silver,  21.68 Grams, 7.2 cm (3″)

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RARE – An excellent large 18th to 19th century high grade silver amulet pendant.  The amulet pendant is in the shape of an arrowhead form and die-stamped with a decorative bale. The amulet also has a silver sheet backing plate. The die stamped amulet border is decorated with full bloom lotus flowers and peacocks.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, HANUMAN
c. 1800’s, High Grade Silver,  26 Grams, 6.5 cm (2 1/2″)

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The amulet pendant is in the shape of an arrowhead form and die-stamped with three decorative bales. The silver amulet border has been added and floral units covering the joins. This is a rare example of an amulet – most probably originally from the Punjab, a state bordering Pakistan and is the heart of India’s Sikh community. The amulet originally contained a previous deity or a symbol associated with a deity which has since been cut out of the silver centre front sheet.   Guru Nanak has been removed – and Hanuman from part of another old amulet has been cut out and soldered over Guru Nanak.  Hanuman is now flanked by Guru Nanak’s two companions – Bala Sindhu and Mardana.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, GODDESS DURGA
c. 1800’s, High Grade Silver, 19.3 Grams (0.68 oz.)  6 cm (2 3/8″)

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This is an antique, very well made amulet of high grade silver, worn chiefly in Rajasthan, India, and quite heavy at 19.3 grams. There is evidence of wear.  The amulet pendant is in the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir), and die-stamped. The edge of the border and decorative bale have floral units added and the back of the amulet has a reinforced border.  The subject of the amulet is the warrior “Goddess Durga” whose vehicle is a lion. Durga is also called Divine Mother, protects mankind from evil and misery by destroying evil forces such as selfishness, jealousy, prejudice, hatred, anger, and ego.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, LORD SHIVA, GODDESS PAVARTI SILVER BOX PENDANT NECKLACE
46 cm (18″) High Grade Silver Indian Herringbone Chain, Rajasthan, Northern  India, 61.6 Grams

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This is a beautifully made c. 1850’s high grade silver amulet box pendant from Rajasthan, northern India, and quite heavy at 61.6 grams.  The amulet pendant is in the shape of a square, represented by walled-in borders, the form symbolic of a house plan and family unity, around the shape  of a  five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir) with the die stamped image of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pavarti. 

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ANTIQUE NEPALESE THARU BEADS NECKLACE
Antique Cobalt Blue Wound Glass Beads, Mixed Metal Alloy Silver Centre Bead and Melon Beads
115 Grams, 48cm (18 1/2″)

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This is a antique handmade Nepalese, (Kakar-manka), mixed metal alloy and antique cobalt blue wound glass beads necklace from the Tharu women in the Dang District of Nepal.   The centre bead is over 100 years old and the necklace on one side has been restrung at some stage – in a different colour cotton thread. I have not polished the necklace, but the mixed metal alloy melon beads (8) and centre bead will polish up beautifully. 

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ANTIQUE RAJASTHANI SOLID SILVER RIGID TORQUE, HANSULI, CHOKER NECKLACE
Fine Indian Silver Snake Chain Back Units, 100 Grams, Extends to: 49 cm (19 1/2″)

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This is a late 19th to early 20th century, solid silver rigid torque (hansuli) necklace from Rajasthan, northern India. The name of this uniquely Indian form is derived from the collar bone (hansuli) on which such ornaments rest.  The necklace silver central sheet has been hand beaten into a crescent shape and contoured with a separate silver beaded border added all around.   Inner circumference including extension chain: 49cm (19 1/2″).

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VINTAGE INDIAN SOLID SILVER TORQUE, HASULI, CHOKER NECK RING
Rajasthani, High Grade Silver, Flexible Opening, 74 Grams
46cm (18″), Comfortable for Wearing

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This is a vintage, solid, one piece high grade silver torque (hansuli), choker with geometrical chasing and dot punch stamping design on all four sides and a hook fastening at the back, from Rajasthan, Northern India.  The ring is flexible at the opening to allow for placing around the neck.  It is quite light weight at 74 grams and comfortable for wearing. It has a lovely soft worn patina.

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ANTIQUE INDIAN SNAKE CHAIN BELT OR NECKLACE
High Grade Silver, Round, 4 mm, 79 cm (31 1/4″), 68.8 Grams

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Antique, dating to early 20th century, genuine, solid woven, high grade silver, 4 mm round flexible snake chain belt from Karnataka, South West India. This is the older type of handmade chain, not the newer machine made chains that are readily available these days.  This snake chain is long enough at 79 cm (31 1/4″) to also be worn as a choker necklace wrapped twice around the neck.  It can also be worn as a long chain with a pendant. The diameter of the loop ends is 7.4 mm at the widest point which is important to know when choosing a pendant to slip on.

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN DIAMOND WHEAT LINK WOVEN CHAIN NECKLACE, BRACELET SET
13 mm, Genuine, Heavy, Solid High Grade Silver, 135 Grams (4.740oz.), 48cm (18 3/4″)

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This set is vintage, dating from early to mid 20th century, genuine, solid, high grade silver, diamond wheat link flexible woven three chain necklace and bracelet, from Indonesia. This is the older type of handmade chains, not the newer light weight machine made chains.  The making of the chains has been beautifully executed. The three strands have been woven tightly and through wear over the years it has become smooth and supple.

I also have the Necklace and Bracelet listed separately.

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER MESH CHAIN NECKLACE
7 mm, Genuine, Heavy, Solid High Grade Silver, 66 Grams (2.325 oz.), 49.5 cm (19 1/2″)

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This is a vintage, dating from early to mid 20th century, genuine, solid, high grade silver, mesh knitted wire flexible chain necklace, from Indonesia. This is the older type of handmade chain, not the newer machine made chains that are readily available these days.   Through wear over the years it has become smooth and supple.  The making of the chain has been beautifully executed. The sterling silver end caps have a strong ‘S’ clasp for closing. The clasp has been marked with 925 – sterling.  The necklace is quite heavy in the hand at 66 grams (2.325oz.) and measuring 49.5cm (19 1/2″).

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER DIAMOND WHEAT LINK WOVEN CHAIN NECKLACE
13 mm, Genuine, Heavy, Solid High Grade Silver, 92 Grams (3.255), 48 cm (18 3/4″)

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This necklace is vintage, dating from early to mid 20th century, genuine, solid, high grade silver, diamond wheat link flexible woven three chain necklace from Indonesia. This is the older type of handmade chain, not the newer light weight machine made chain.  The making of the chain has been beautifully executed. The three strands have been woven tightly and through wear over the years it has become smooth and supple.

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER WHEAT LINK CHAIN NECKLACE
6 mm, Genuine, Solid High Grade Silver, 37 Grams (1.305), 47 cm (18 1/2″)

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER MESH CHAIN NECKLACE
5 mm, Genuine, Solid High Grade Silver,35 Grams (1.240 oz.), 48 cm (19″)

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ANTIQUE SHIVA LINGAM CONTAINERS
Portable Shrine Caskets

Blurton 1992:
The Lingayats, a reformist Shaiva sect (also known as the Virashaivas), are thought to have been founded by the 12th century social reformer Basavanna. He rejected all the strictures of caste and ritual, emphasizing instead an egalitarian society based on devotion to Shiva. His ideas are propounded in ‘vacanas’ or short verses written, not in Sanskrit, but in the local vernacular, Kannada. The Lingayats acknowledge no human icon of Shiva, but instead always carry with them a small linga in an amulet box which is hung around the neck.

Reference:  Ayigalu Pendant, south India, C. 1850. A portable shrine, the carved rock crystal case encrusted with rubies and emeralds houses a Shiva lingam.  A rock crystal bull (Nandi sits on top of the hinged lid.  Dance of the Peacock, Jewellery Traditions of India,  Page 197

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 ANTIQUE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET WITH LINGAM STONE
Fine Very Long (Waist Length)  Silver Snake Chain (121 cm or 47 1/2″), Karnataka, South India,  65 Grams
Hand beaten – embellished with forms of Tilak, the forehead mark in Hindu religious sects on the Vertical Flanking Forms

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This is a very fine Ovoid high grade silver Shiva lingam portable shrine casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “flattened round pot” shape worn by Lingayat laypeople. Lingayats are easily distinguished from other Hindus because in most cases the lingam casket is visible on the body.  The flat bottom section is embellished with a chased design. The central sphere of the box is flanked by two projecting rectangular sides- these also are embellished with forms of Tilak, the forehead mark in Hindu religious sects.  There is a small jangama lingam stone in the Lingam Casket.

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 ANTIQUE SILVER SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, WITH LINGAM STONE
Fine Silver Snake Chain (72 cm or 28 1/2″), Karnataka, South India,  85.8 Grams
Hand beaten – With possibly South Indian Kannada Script on Inside Vertical Flanking Forms

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This is a very fine, at 85.8 grams Ovoid high grade silver Shiva lingam portable shrine casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “round pot” shape. This is the most common type worn by Lingayat laypeople. The bottom section is embellished with a round ball finial. The central sphere of the box is flanked by two projecting rectangular sides with conical lower sections- these also are embellished with round ball finals as well.  Lingam caskets carry a jangama lingam stone.  

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 ANTIQUE (VERY SMALL)  SILVER SHIVA LINGAM CASKET
Crystal or Glass Lingam Stone, Fine Silver Snake Chain (94 cm or 37″)
Karnataka, South India, 23.7 Grams (0.835 oz.)

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This is a very fine Ovoid high grade Silver Lingam Casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “round pot” shape. This is the most comon type worn by Lingayat laypeople.  The bottom section is embellished with a round ball finial. The central sphere of the box is flanked by two projecting rectangular sides with conical lower sections- these also are embellished with round ball finals as well.  Lingam caskets carry a  broken piece of crystal or glass stone.  This is an old beautifully made, very fine 94 cm (37″) high grade silver Indian snake chain that has been strung through the two outer finials allowing the box to be suspended from the neck.

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 ANTIQUE TIBETAN BELT BUCKLE CLASP FOR APRON
as  PENDANT NECKLACE, 55.6 Grams
High Grade Silver, Turquoise, 46 cm (18″), 3 mm, Silver Snake Chain, 11 Grams

 

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This is a late 19th century or early 20th century large silver traditional decorative Tibetan Woman’s belt buckle clasp for aprons.  Women wear dark-coloured wrap dresses over a blouse, and a colourfully striped, woven wool apron, called pangden and signals that she is married.  They are a multi-coloured, striped apron and are usually three panels and the colours can range from shades of one color to a full-on rainbow.  This buckle is resembling the front of a Tibetan woman’s Gau, backed by two hooks that are fixed into the woollen apron.

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX
Very Small, Bronze, Turquoise, 4 cm  (1 1/2″) x  5.3 cm (2″) 18.4 Grams

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN OBLONG GAU, c. Mid 1800’s
“Tree of Life” with Axis Mundi
High Grade Silver Box, Copper Back, FiLgree, Gilt, Genuine Coral Cabochon, 137 Grams 

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MUSEUM QUALITY

CHAMDO, EASTERN TIBET,  LARGE MAN’S GHAU, GAU AMULET BOX
Copper with Brass Overlays, Iron Inner Sides
Central Crossed Gems Symbol (Nor-bu-bskor-cha) , 428.6 Grams

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX, or ANTIQUE LADAKHI GAU BOX
High Grade Silver, Turquoise, Coral, 175 Grams

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TIBET,  MID 19th CENTURY, WOMAN’S  OVAL GAU, GHAU RELIQUARY  AMULET BOX
(With an applied chased 10kt gilt over brass stylized Vajra or Dorje (thunderbolt) centre piece overlay,
a genuine coral cabochon inset around a decorated brass bezel), 48.6 Grams

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TIBETAN GAU, PARCEL GILT, HIGH GRADE  SILVER FRONT
Filigree, Turquoise, Coral Ga’u Reliquary Box, c. 1850, 89.5 Grams

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TIBETAN HIGH GRADE SILVER GAU, with  CENTRAL SHERPA CORAL  MEDALLION
Men’s Round Ga’u Reliquary Amulet Box,  19th or Early 20th Century,  72.8 Grams

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VINTAGE TIBETAN OR NEPALESE CUFF BRACELET and SADDLE RING SET
Turquoise, Central Tibetan Hair Bead Ornament, High Grade Silver,  44.6 Grams

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VINTAGE TIBETAN OR NEPALESE CUFF BRACELET
Central Turquoise Tibetan Hair Bead Ornament, High Grade Silver, 34.6 Grams 

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VINTAGE TIBETAN OR NEPALESE SADDLE RING
Turquoise, High Grade Silver,  10 Grams

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ANTIQUE HIMACHAL PRADESH GAU BOX NECKLACE
Large Silver Enamel Gau Box, Pipal Leaf Dangles, 66cm (26″) Silver chain, 226 Grams (8oz.)

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This is an antique (19th century) large pendant from, Himachal Pradesh, a northern India state in the Himalayas.  The silver hexagonal Gau prayer box is decorated with the traditional blue and green enamels favoured by Kangra enamelists.  The Gau prayer box is approximately 2 cm (3/4″) deep and is missing the Gau backing plate.  I have silver tested several parts – as the silver content varies. The Chain, Bale, Bells and Gau Sides are approx. 80-90%, the front sheet of the Gau- 92.5% approx. while the silver beading border and the bale extension is low grade silver.

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AN ISLAMIC, PERSIAN, THREE PART, SILVER TALISMAN, QUR’AN HOLDER, IRAN
Two Qur’an Cylinders, High Grade Silver, Iran, 98 Grams

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

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This is a 19th century, three part, high grade silver, repousse, octagonal talisman miniature Qur’an case which would have stored a miniature Qur’an or select verses of the revelation considered to hold special protective powers.  A latch at the bottom opens the hinged box. The lid and eight sides have very fine extremely intricate, dense bands of Persian Nastaliq script. It has two hollow tubular scroll containers attached, by the cotton cords, not hinged, also with rows of Arabic script.  Both tubes open freely.   

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AN ISLAMIC, CENTRAL ASIA SILVER QU’RAN HOLDER, TALISMAN , KORAN CONTAINER
High Grade Silver, Antique Afghani Silver Chain, 53cm (21″),  58.4 Grams
Afghanistan, Pashtun

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This is an antique, (over 100 years old) high grade silver octagonal talisman miniature Qur’an case which would have contained inscriptions of verses from the Qur’an from central Asia, Iran or Afghanistan. The lid is engraved with a geometric design.  The central rosette motif is engraved of the highly classical Islamic pattern eight fold star pattern (although rather basic in design).  It has an attachment loop on the top for a chain to allow the amulet to be worn as a necklace. The Qu’ran case has a 53cm (21″) antique Afghani high grade silver traditional chain attached with a S clasp for closing.

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ANTIQUE ISLAMIC, PRAYER BOXES, TALISMAN CONTAINERS
High Grade Silver, Large Hollow Qur’an Scroll Containers, Afghanistan, Pashtun,
Both Open Freely to Insert a Protective Prayer

 ANTIQUE ISLAMIC, SILVER PRAYER BOX, SCROLL CONTAINER
Pashtun, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Prayer Box, 34.9 Grams (1.230 oz.)
High Grade Silver Snake Chain, 71 cm (28″), 17 Grams (0.60 oz.)
Prayer Box Length – 10 cm (4″)

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This is an early 20th century, high grade silver hollow cylindrical tube talisman, amulet prayer box container, from central Asia, and similar to styles and design from Afghanistan or Pashtun. It has three sturdy suspension rings for a chain to allow the amulet to be worn as a necklace. There are two decorated end caps – one of which opens to insert a protective prayer and also has the third suspension ring on the cap. It has been strung on a 71 cm (28″) antique high grade silver (sterling) Afghani snake chain with a S clasp for closing.

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  ANTIQUE ISLAMIC, SILVER PRAYER BOX, SCROLL CONTAINER
Pashtun, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Prayer Box, 24.5 Grams (0.865 oz.)
Prayer Box Length – 9.5 cm (3 3/4″)

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ANTIQUE TURKMEN (TURKOMAN) YOMUD TRIBE PENDANT
Gol-e kamar Belt Element, Carnelian, 80% Silver approx. Iran, Khorasan, Central Asia, 50 Grams

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This is a collectible early 20th century classic style handcrafted Gol-e kamar (waistband) of the Yomud Tribe from Turkmenia (Turkmenistan) in central Asia.   I have identified the pendant from the last listing photo – detailed as Belt Elements from Turkmen Yomud People, Quai Branly Museum, Paris and this pendant was at one time part of a more elaborate belt.  The diamond shape has a 7mm band border of decorative silver platted wire applied around and a central table cut carnelian in a bezel setting. There is also filigree and applied units.

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ANTIQUE KUFIC SCRIPT AMULET, AYAAT AMULET
VERY SMALL, Height 3 cm, Width 2 cm
Antique Islamic Amulet, High Grade Silver, 4.29 Grams
RARE

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Kufic is the oldest calligraphic form of the various Arabic scripts and consists of a modified form of the old Nabataean script.  Kufic developed around the end of the 7th century in Kufa, Iraq, from which it takes its name, and other centres.

This is a very small ancient or antique high grade silver and gray stone Islamic amulet pendant.  The pendant is in the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form.  The pendant has a light gray soft stone with incised lines in Kufic script. The light gray soft stone has been set in a silver case with a spiralling silver wire border added.  It has a curled extension piece of silver that has a fine silver wire bar through to each side to make it flexible to move for the bale.

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19th CENTURY SILVER INDIAN AMULET, FOLK GODDESS SANJHI DEVI
Genuine Gold Tikka, Sterling Silver 50cm (20″) Snake Chain, Utta Pradesh,  63.7 Grams (2.245 oz)

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

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