Two Marwari Women, India, c. 1850’s attributed to Taurines
Welcome to my SHOP with a selection of unique pieces devoted to the exhibition and online sales gallery of traditional ethnic jewellery specializing in Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes, Antique Sri Lanka Jewellery and other old Ethnic Ornaments.
EACH ITEM IN MY SHOP IS SELECTED BASED ON AUTHENTICITY and ARTISTIC VALUE
My SHOP: indianamulets.com.au – Antique Indian Amulet, Ethnic Jewellery and Himalayan Ornaments gives full details about each item shown.
(All purchases from my Shop are transacted through my ETSY Shop)
I also have a shop on ETSY – JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets, Ethnic Jewellery and Adornments
listing Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes, Antique Sri Lankan Jewellery and other old Ethnic Jewellery.
JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets and Ethnic Jewellery
NEW ARRIVALS
ANTIQUE LADAKH NECKLACE Coral, Turquoise and Silver Beads High Grade Silver, 48cm (19″), 153 Grams
RARE: Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir State, India c. early 1900’s. The fashion in Ladakh and western Tibet for wearing multiple strands of necklaces traces back to the 14th century. This is a distinctively Ladakhi, Western Himalayas, type of necklace combining three strands of antique salmon coral beads on the top row and a single strand of coral beads on the bottom row. All the heirloom coral beads show signs of extensive wear as coral beads are handed down from generation to generation. The necklace comes from the Tibetan ethnic groups of the Zanskar valley in the Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh region of Northern India.
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RARE - ANTIQUE TIBETAN PENDANT, BELT ORNAMENT High Grade Silver, Gold Gilt, Genuine Turquoise Stone 69 Grams (2.435 oz.), High Grade Silver Chain, 46cm (18" adjustable to 20")
This is a beautiful old (most probably late 19th or early 20th century) Tibetan belt ornament from eastern Tibet as a pendant and is known as a “lochab”. It would have been a woman’s belt hanger decorated with tradition Tibetan motif for the jewel in repoussé, surrounding a central turquoise cabochon. At the center top facing the bale is ornamented with the grotesque ‘monster mask’ of Kirtimukha (Glorious Face) of the Fierce Monster. The Tibetan Kirtimukha is represented as a demon with horned face which does not have a lower jaw and Kirtimukha’s hands with frilly cuffs hold the crest-bar in his mouth. The gems or a frieze of jewelled strings descends from Kirtimukha’s upper jaw.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET Vishnu's Sacred Footprints High Grade Silver 76cm (30 inch) Adjustable Cord,62 Grams
This is a beautiful large antique (probably early to mid 20th Century) high grade silver amulet pendant of the side-by-side footprints of Vishnu, generally termed Vishnupadaka (divine footprints) and worn by a wide Hindu audience, especially in northern India. This round form (mandala) contains Vishnu’s foot-prints depicted within the shape of a yoni – the origin of life, or leaf of the sacred fig tree with the bottom pointing ovule. The Tree of Life is through the center of the sacred footprints. To the Muslims the motif represents everlasting life: to the Hindus the tree supports the Universe and preserves life. The amulet has been finely die-stamped with a decorative bale and decorative die-stamped borderer. The amulet has been silver tested for high grade silver.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET Bheru Bhairava Form of Shiva High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 67 Grams (2.37oz.) 30 inch (76cm) Adjustable Cord
This is a antique, high grade silver amulet pendant worn by the tribal people of Gujarat or Rajasthan in northern India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and die-stamped with two sturdy bales with finals and floral decorative units added. It has a silver border added and a decorative terminal point at the bottom.The subject of the amulet is in the two armed Bheru or Bhairava form of Shiva in his fearful aspect travelling with his dog. The deity is widely worshipped by Bhil tribals, one of the largest tribal communities in India. As there are 8 form of Bhairava – and I am not certain which one this is – but because Bhairava is wearing a crown of skulls, and he has a broad face with bulging eyes and closed mouth that it maybe the fierce Bhairava. Shiva, especially in his Bhairava form has a drum, trishula or (trident) sword, a daggar. and holding a severed head. The sun symbol of Surya, is above his right side of the head and the Chandra the moon on the other side.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Ganesh and Pavarti
High Grade Silver, 32.5Grams (1.15oz.)
26 inch (66cm) Adjustable Cord
The amulet is an antique and beautifully die stamped amulet, with a rolled silver border added around the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and with two sturdy bales. The scrolling floral inner border is a very old design used on amulets. This is a well worn amulet – for its protective purpose – most probably originating from Rajasthan, northern India. The amulet looks dark in the listing photos as it still has residue of sindoor, also called vermilion, a brilliant scarlet powder used during Hindu religious and cultural ceremonies and ritual rubbing on amulets. The subject of the amulet is the Hindu Gods Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of Wisdom, the four armed form with Axe, Rope, Blessings and Madaka (Rewards), and his mother Goddess Parvati the consort of Shiva. They are sitting on their thrones. The sun symbol of Surya, is above Ganesh’s head and the Chandra the moon on the other side above Pavarti.
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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN AMULET NECKLACE Kerala Taviz Necklace, Kerala Belt, Taweez High Grade Silver Snake Chain, 152 Grams, 72cm (28 1/2")
Early 20th century, high grade silver amulet pendant necklace (belt) from Kerala State, South India. Such belts were worn in Kerala for everyday use as detailed in the last listing photo but this can be worn as a beautiful necklace. The silver necklace or belt has the beautiful patina from age and handling. The seventeen silver taviz amulets are strung on a silver snake chain with seventeen truncated bicone spacer beads in between each taviz. The taviz pendants have been made from a silver stamped sheet with seven multi loops for the bale and silver wire beading for decoration. They have been silver tested for high grade silver. Each bead has a wax element to give weight and protect the soft silver from denting. This has been beautifully executed as there is just a very small hole visible on each taviz next to the top of the bale. The beads are strung on an 72 cm (28 1/2″) Indian sterling silver snake chain with a ‘S’ clasp for closing.
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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN AMULET BOX Taweez, Taviz , Karnataka or Kerala 8.5cm (3 1/4"), 170 Grams, 72cm (28 1/4"), 2mm Square Foxtail Chain
This beautiful amulet from the early 20th century is a large high grade silver round tubular amulet box container from South India and is 8.5 cm (3 1/4″) long. The tube has three bands of repousse floral designs and fine chasing. The centre band is of stylized coconut tree leaves. The applied top section with seven decorative lotus bud bales. The centre front is ornamented with what I interpret to be applied stylized fish. This is quite common in the iconography of South India. The back ornament is decorated with a row of silver beading. The box unscrews at one end and has a copper cylinder for the insertion of magical protective objects and “mantras”. The box has decorative caps on each end. It has an aged patina, although I believe recently cleaned, and rare to find. In the listing photo No. 8 on the scale – you will be able to see that there are are few small dents around the edge of the end of the amulet case.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE
BRITISH INDIA RUPEE, HALF RUPEE COINS MAN'S NECKLACE
"RUPAYA HAR or HULLAR"
26 Coins, High Grade Silver
89 cm (35") Chain, 516 Grams (18.20oz)
Traditional Jewelry of India, Oppi Untracht, Page 122
This is a heavy solid silver necklace featuring two large link chains with four sets of various quarter and half rupee coin dangles and a central medallion. A similar necklace is in “Traditional Jewelry of India” Oppi Untracht – Page 122. Detailed: Northern India, Silver Necklace (rupaya har or hullar) with British-Indian rupee and half-rupee coins with the images of Edward V11 and George as Emperors of India. Length 38 inches (97cm), weight 528 grams. *Collection Mis, Brussels.
Coins in Total: One Rupee x 3, Half Rupee x 15, Quarter Rupee x 7, One Shilling x 1, = Total 26 Coins.
Coins on Dangles:
The image of “Victoria Queen” and “Victoria Empress”, as Empress of India. The coinage changed from ‘Victoria Queen’ to ‘Victoria Empress’ in 1877.
Half Rupees: = 9, 1886 1881,1880, 1862, 1876, 1887, 1886, 1862, 1862
Quarter Rupee: = 7, 1862, 1889, 1888, 1862, 1879, 1888, 1888
One Shilling, Australia: = 1, 1910
Coins on the Medallion:
Half Rupee: = 6, 1884, 1862, 1881, 1862, 1876, 1878
Top Coin in Medallion – One Rupee – Shah Alam II
The centre of the medallion has two rupee coins soldered back to back – the front coin is a Shah Alam 11, and the back coin is the One Rupee coin dated 1874, Calcutta.
Fully Detailed on the Products Page:
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET Duo Goddess Devi - Hoi Mata High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 65 Grams
This is an early to mid 20th century silver round (mandala) shape amulet. The circular forms repel evil spirits who dare not enter them. This early to mid 20th century, high grade silver die-stamped amulet pendant is of a folk image of Goddess Devi or Hoi Mata inside the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir). The amulet has been hand beaten (marks slightly visible) from a high grade silver sheet to a slight convex. Hoi Mata is one of the many mother Goddess forms worshiped throughout India, presiding over the well being of the family. She is very often identified as a form of Shakti and is worshipped during Hoi Ashtami festival.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Goddess Durga
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 35 Grams
Inscribed Hindi writing along the bottom of the amulet:
“JEEN MATAJI” – Jeen Mataji is the name of a famous Temple in Sikar district, Rajasthan State.
“Jeena Mata is the very incarnation of Goddess Durga. The place of Jeen Mata is known as Shakti Peeth whose actual name was Jayantimala. Her sacred shrine is around thousand years old and situated at Ralawata, Sikar, Rajasthan. The actual date is not known, and it is believed that Pandavas, when exiled from Hastinapur, built the temple in the current style. Jeen Mata Temple is the real place of pilgrimage since the age old times and got rebuilt and repaired several times.” The amulet pendant is in the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir), and die-stamped with a bale. The five-sided peaked pentagon form is also known as a “Patri” amulet. 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 Goddess Durga High Grade Silver Beads, Rajasthan, 37 Grams
This is an antique silver amulet pendant worn chiefly in Rajasthan, India. The amulet pendant is in the round form (mandala). Circular forms repel evil spirits who dare not enter them. The amulet has been die-stamped with a large bale and decorative unit added. It has an old style chased silver border pattern. The subject of the amulet is “Goddess Durga” whose vehicle is a lion, within the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir). 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
Tree of Life, Peacocks
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 35.55 Grams
This is a late 19th or early 20th century high grade silver amulet pendant, beautifully and very finely die-stamped with two bales and a separate silver backing plate, worn by the tribal people of Rajasthan, northern India. There is a decorative final at the base and floral units and a silver bar extension down the back for extra support.The amulet pendant is in the shape of the arrowhead form, representing the leaf of the sacred pipal tree. The image is of the Tree of Life in the centre (a symbol of fertility), flanked by two sets of peacocks guarding the Tree of Life. To the Muslims the motif represents everlasting life: to the Hindus the tree supports the Universe and preserves life.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, BIKANER. THAR DESERT RABARI NECKLACE High Grade Silver, 158.75 Grams (5.6 oz.)
RARE: This is a beautifully made early 20th century high grade silver amulet box pendant. The pendant is from Bikaner, a city in the northern state of Rajasthan. Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, east of the border with Pakistan. It’s surrounded by the Thar Desert. The silver necklace whose main elements are three amulets; two in the barbed arrowhead form (chagda,) the centre one in seed form (it looks like a stylized peapod case with the end leaves) separated by decorated die stamped silver beads (goli), all with delicately made dangles. The two amulet pendants in the shape of an barbed arrowhead form with two decorative bales and are basically plain with an etched front decoration. (I have seen this same design on another example of this necklace – so the design must be traditional for this type of necklace. The three dimensional amulet pendants are sealed and may contain a wax element. They have nine sets of gajre dangle balls (plus one long bunch of gajre balls hanging at the center of each amulet). The centre bead is in the seed form ands decorated with silver wire representing the end leaves on (maybe) a peapod case. There are nine sets of gajre dangle balls (plus one long bunch handing at the centre.) There are two sets of separating beads all matching in design although in different forms.
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LARGE ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Goddess Durga Amulet
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 38 Grams
This is a large antique silver amulet pendant worn chiefly in Rajasthan, India. The amulet pendant is in the round form (mandala). Circular forms repel evil spirits who dare not enter them. The amulet has been hand beaten (marks slightly visible) from a high grade silver sheet to a slight convex, and die-stamped with a large bale and decorative unit added. It has an old style chased silver border pattern. The subject of the amulet is “Goddess Durga” whose vehicle is a lion, within the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir). 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 TIBETAN GAU, HIMALAYAN GAU BOX NECKLACE Low Grade Silver, Oblong, Filigree, Old Phenolic Amber Resin Beads, Turquoise, dZi Beads 61 cm (24 Inches), 338 Grams (12 oz.)
This Eastern Tibet, most probably from the Labrang area in the Gansu province of China, is a low grade silver oblong ga’u amulet box ornamented with filigree work, silver beading and brass applied chased units worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube. The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped filigree surrounding a stylized turquoise bezel “Open Lotus Flower”. The face of the box is further decorated with two red coral and turquoise stones. (Most likely none of these stones were the original stones in the Gau Box. The centre turquoise replacement stone has stringing holes in the ends and has signs of wear around these holes). The lower decoration is a stylised dorje ornament which hangs at the bottom when worn and a loop at the bottom from which hangs a burgundy tassel. The outer edge is decorated with individually stamped and applied petals of an open lotus and silver beaded wire.
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VINTAGE INDIAN AMULET
Goddess Kali Amulet
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 31.6 Grams
This is quite a large example of an early to mid 20th century high grade silver amulet pendant worn by the tribal people of Rajasthan northern India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and die-stamped with a sturdy bale. It has a rolled silver border and a silver bar extension down the back for extra support. From the listing photos you will see that the figure is quite raised from the surface of the silver sheet. The subject of the amulet is Goddess Kali, the symbolic destroyer of evil, is worshipped by her followers to remove negative tendencies which hinder spiritual progress and material prosperity. This image of Goddess Kali has four arms. She holds in her hands attributes associated with Shiva: a Damaru (drum), a dagger, a trident and a skull-mace (khatvanga). She has a belt of skulls around her waist and the dog, her vehicle, at her feet. The Chandra the moon symbol is at the top of her right side.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Silver Square House Amulet
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 63 Grams
This is a heavy at 63 grams for the antique high grade silver amulet pendant from Rajasthan, Northern India. A sacred and powerful charm, it is believed to offer the wearer protection. The amulet is in the shape of a square, the form symbolic of a house plan, a symbol of family unity, represented by a walled-in rectangle. The amulet uses stamped floral units to cover joins. It has two decorative bales, a silver silver border added. There are four set of clam shell dangles that jingle with movement. The amulet has been strung on a new black Indian traditional handmade cotton thread cord with a sliding bead to adjust the length to of wear.
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RARE - BHUTAN KOMA BROOCH PAIR BHUTANESE KOMA CLOAK FASTENERS Bhutan Dragon, Silver Linking Chain, 185.23 Grams, 32 cm (13")
RARE: This pair is quite heavy at 185 Grams.
This pair of silver and mixed metal alloy (approx. 50% silver on the front and back of the pair of Koma Brooches) are Bhutanese dress or cloak fasteners known as Koma. This pair of Bhutanese Koma Broochs have the “Symbol of Bhutan” featured on the fronts. The design contained in a circle is composed of a double diamond-thunderbolt (dorje) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel expresses sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country which they proclaim with their great voice, the thunder. The centre stones are now missing (most probably turquoise). The four parallel mixed metal alloy fine silver mesh linking chains are attached to rectangular silver element at each end.
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RARE - BHUTAN KOMA BROOCHS PAIR BHUTANESE KOMA CLOAK FASTENERS Bhutan Dragon, Silver Linking Chain, 136 Grams, 49.5cm (19 1/2")
RARE: This pair is really special.
This pair of silver (tested high grade silver on the front of the pair of Koma Brooches) are Bhutanese dress or cloak fasteners known as Koma. The Bhutanese Symbol Dragon – Druk the “Thunder Dragon” in Bhutanese and Tibetan mythology is represented on the Koma brooches. It is also the Bhutanese national symbol. On close inspection you can see the dragon with its claw feet holding jewels (round balls) to represent wealth. The outer border has the cloud symbol and the inner circle has the etched wind symbol. The centre stones are now missing (most probably turquoise) and are surrounded by stylized – ‘Meconopsis gakyidiana’ – a species of blue poppy native to Eastern Bhutan. It is the national flower of Bhutan. The openwork design is super imposed on a circular backing plate and on this reverse is soldered a metal bar tapered to points which bend inwards to form a fastening device. (These are very sharp points!!). Also attached on the reverse of each Koma is a small ring for the addition of the chain or japtha. The backs of the koma brooches tested as mixed metal alloy.
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VINTAGE NEPAL GAU BOX
Faux Turquoise, Faux Coral Glass Stones
Mixed Metal Chain, 63cm (25"), 46.4 Grams
KATHMANDUE VALLEY, NEPAL
This Gau Amulet Box is shaped as a bodhi or pipal leaf. The Bodhi Tree, also called the Bodhi Fig Tree or Bo Tree, is a large sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Northern India. Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi, circa 500 BCE under it. The amulet box is designed to be worn from a chain around the neck. This Nepalese Amulet Box is covered in faux turquoise and coral glass stones using the ‘jarao’ inlay technique, which combines the setting of stones in bezels with filigree wire decoration. This technique was popular amongst Newar metalworkers of the Kathmandu Valley during the 18th and 19th centuries. There is fine silver filigree work around the Treasure Vase. The central design of the Gau Box Box, of high grade silver, is one of the 8 Auspicious Symbols from Buddhism – “THE TREASURE VASE”. The treasure vase symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation. The flowing raised extensions from the vase represent the flowing sacred white scarf wrapped around the vase.
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VINTAGE INDIAN NECKLACE Silver Tree of Life Amulet, Silver Beads, Snake Chain 43cm (17 inch), Northern India, 104.26 Grams (3.67oz.)
This is a beautifully made mid 20th century high grade silver box amulets pendant necklace of “The Tree of Life” – a symbol of fertility – from northern India. The amulet pendants are part of the necklace supported on a beautifully made silver snake chain with high grade silver beads. The centre hollow box amulet pendant is in the shape of the arrowhead form, and often in India today the ancient arrowhead form is said to represent a pipal tree leaf associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which developed at a much later date that when this form originated. The four other hollow tiger-claw box amulets have an open Lotus flower. To the Muslims the motif represents everlasting life: to the Hindus the tree supports the Universe and preserves life.
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VINTAGE INDIAN AMULET Rabari, Dhebaria Necklace Pendant, prayer Box High Grade Silver, 55 Grams (1.94 oz.)
This is a vintage form of a beautifully ornate triangular Rabari Dhebaria Amulet Case, usually strung on a silver ‘Siyal’ necklace with multiple cases as detailed in the last listing photo.The container is designed to hold a sacred mantra or prayer in the hollow compartment and has been sealed shut or is for just decorative use.
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VINTAGE INDIAN NECKLACE Tharu Necklace, Uttar Pradesh or Nepal, Silver Wire Work, Hinged Back High Grade Silver, 210 Grams, Diameter 19cm (7 1/2")
This is a vintage high grade silver necklace either from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on the Indo-Nepal border or from Nepal. The name of this uniquely Indo-Nepal form is called ‘Chamel’ in Lucknow and ‘Taunk’ in Nepal. I have also detailed a photo of a Tharu girl from Nepal as this is also a traditional necklace worn by the Tharu Tribe in Southern Nepal and India. The necklace has been beautifully made with very high standard of silversmithing and quite heavy with 210 grams of ‘high grade silver’. The necklace is fringed with wirework floral pendant dangles. It has hinged back extensions with a ‘S’ clasp for closing attached at the ends of the crescent and move to put on the necklace. The original locking rings are still in place.
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VINTAGE SRI LANKA SILVER GILT NECKLACE Girl's Sri Lankan Necklace (Worn at the Neckline as a Choker) Sri Lankan Silver Gilt Filigree Bead, Red Glass Beads, 35cm (14"), 12.5Grams
Sri Lankan Girl (from Kandy) with Traditional Choker Necklace
This is a vintage, well worn silver gilt necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and most probably from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. This is a girl’s necklace (worn at the neckline as a Choker) at length of (45cm – 14 inches). The necklace has a silver gilt central bicone filigree bead. This is a very delicate, fine bead and there is one small section at the back which is slightly pushed in, but not very noticeable. It has six deep red/orange coral coloured glass beads (assimilating coral), four very small silver gilt hollow fluted beads with rim, and the terminating beads are long and conical and are impressed with geometric motifs. The necklace is strung on a silver gilt herringbone plaited chain and an “S” clip for closing.
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, HIMALAYAN GAU BOX Antique Chinese Carved Turquoise Beads High Grade Silver Chain, 82 cm (32 Inches), 87 Grams
This is a beautifully etched Himalayan Gau box and the oval domed box dating from the early to mid 20th century. Although worn in all areas of Tibet, the oval-shaped silver Gau was particularly favoured by women in the southern border areas of Tibet, in Sikkim,Bhutan and Himachal Pradesh. The front of the Gau is decorated with a central turquoise cabochon around a gilded decorated double Dorje. A double Dorje, or Vishvavajra, are two Dorjes connected to form a cross. A double Dorje represents the foundation of the physical world and is also associated with certain tantric deities. The Himalayan Gau has high grade silver beads and two double Dorje silver beads. The high grade silver linked chain is quite long at 82cm (32 inches) The antique carved Chinese turquoise beads are just beautiful.
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ANTIQUE BRITISH INDIA RUPEE NECKLACE
Rupaya Har Necklace, 48cm (19") Chain, 107.86 Grams (3.70oz)
A COLLECTOR’S ITEM:
This is a heavy solid silver necklace featuring two large link chains with one central British India Rupee Coin dated 1912. Northern India, Silver Necklace (rupaya har or hullar) with British-Indian rupee and six floral units with magenta colour glass stones. The rupee from 1912 within a circle, and flower surrounds, and on the front side is a crowned bust of George V King Emperor (1910-1936). The coin was minted as high grade silver 91.7%. The British-Indian government used precious metal coinage until 1939 and struck under direct authority of the crown. The chain and the parts tested high grade silver also.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, UTTA PRADESH, NANDI HORNS PENDANT
High Grade Silver, 60cm (24 in) Adjustable Cord, 57 Grams
RARE: It is becoming hard to find this kind of amulet today.
This is a mid 20th century representation of Nandi’s horns, Shiva’s mount in a Indian folk style chased amulet pendant from the Uttah Pradesh State, in Northern India. Uttar Pradesh is bordered by the state of Uttarakhand and the country of Nepal to the north, the state of Bihar to the east, the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to the southeast, the state of Madhya Pradesh to the south, and the states of Rajasthan and Haryana and the national capital territory of Delhi to the west. It has three sturdy bales with round units added and five sets of silver wire dangles. It has an adjustable cord length secured with a sliding bead. The cotton cord is in new condition and has silver thread decoration.
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VINTAGE INDIAN AMULET NECKLACE, FLOWERING TREE OF LIFE PENDANT Old Rajasthani Amulet, High Grade Silver Beads, Amulet 58 Grams (2.0oz)
Young Rabari Girl and Women in Traditional Costume
This is a beautiful large vintage, mid 20th century or later, high grade silver amulet pendant of the flowering ‘Tree of Life’. The silver die-stamped amulet (madaliya) is depicted within an arrowhead form, with five bales, glass stones and ghungrus (small bells). The amulet pendant is in the shape of the arrowhead form, and often in India today the ancient arrowhead form is said to represent a pipal tree leaf associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which developed at a much later date that when this form originated. The center red glass stone is in the shape of a stylized leaf.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET SOUTH INDIA CACHE-SEXE PLATE, 30.2 Grams
Ethnic belts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and America, Page 146
This is a traditionally decorated early to mid 20th century high grade silver amulet plate known as a cache-sexe plate, pubic ornament-amulet, also known as the “Genital shield” for a young girl as a substitute for a loin cloth. The Araimudi (araimuti) (Tamil: அரைமுடி, araimūḍi ) is a small silver metal plate shaped like a heart or a fig leaf formerly worn by young girls in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia. “Arai” means loin and “mudi” means cover. The “Madras district gazetteers, Volume 1, Part 1″ said ‘Little girls, up to the age of about 3, wear nothing but the little heart-shaped piece of silver suspended by a waist-cord (arai- mudi) ” which calls attention to what it purports to conceal.”‘ The photo below from “Traditional Jewelry of India” – Oppi Untracht – Page 90. It has exactly the same design on this South India Cache-Sexe Plate.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET NECKLACE South India Cache-Sexe Plate Taviz, Cobalt Blue Glass Barrel Beads, 96 Grams, 80cm (32 ")
Picture From: ‘Traditional Jewelry of India’, Oppi Untracht, Page 90
A Young Telegu Girl Wearing Silver Cache-sexe Plate
This is a traditionally decorated early to mid 20th century high grade silver amulet plate known as a cache-sexe plate, pubic ornament-amulet, also known as the “Genital shield” for a young girl as a substitute for a loin cloth. The yoni shape or leaf of the pipal tree amulet has the design of the half moon and flower, symbols of fertility and the life force. The Araimudi (araimuti) (Tamil: அரைமுடி, araimūḍi ) is a small silver metal plate shaped like a heart or a fig leaf formerly worn by young girls in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia. “Arai” means loin and “mudi” means cover. The amulet has been strung with 125 very old cobalt blue glass drum barrel beads. The two taviz would have been originally part of the silver cache-sexe ornament and detailed in the listing photo.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, BHAIRAVA FORM OF SHIVA
Extra Large, Height: 13.5 cm (5 1/4'), Width: 10.5 cm (4 ")
Weight: 68.6 Grams (2.420 oz.)
This is an “Extra Large” antique, high grade silver amulet pendant worn by the tribal people of Gujarat or Rajasthan in northern India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and die-stamped with two sturdy bales with finals and round decorative units added. It has a silver border added and a decorative terminal point at the bottom. The subject of the amulet is in the two armed Bheru or Bhairava form of Shiva in his fearful aspect travelling with his dog. Lord Shiva, especially in his Bhairava form has a drum, trishula or (trident) sword, a daggar. The sun symbol of Surya, is above his right side of the head and the Chandra the moon on the other side.
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ANTIQUE SHIVA LINGAM CONTAINERS Portable Shrine Caskets
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. Quote from : Blurton 1992.
South India, Portable Shiva Lingam Shrine, c. 1850’s
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
19th CENTURY SHIVA LINGAM CASKET (AYIGULA), CHAUKA FORM Heavy, High Grade Silver, 241 Grams (8.50 oz.) Width: 9.5 cm (3 3/4") Height: 8 cm (3"), Chain Length: 67 cm (26 1/2")
Lingayat Linga Banajiga with Shiva Lingam Casket
This lingam casket (ayigula) is in the form called chauka, in reference to its rectangular shape whose top cover rises upwards at opposite ends to tapering points meant to suggest a bull’s horns, symbolic of Nandi the bull. Nandi is Shiva’s primary vehicle who serves as the mount of Lord Shiva. It has been made in two parts that are held together when the box is suspended from the chain.
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ANTIQUE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, (AYIGULA), CHAUKA FORM
Heavy, High Grade Silver, 105 Grams (3.75 oz.)
Width: 7.5 cm (3"), Height: 5.5 cm (2 1/4"), Chain Length: 76 cm (30")
Lingayat Linga Banajiga with Shiva Lingam Casket
The lingam casket dates from the early c.1900’s and has been very well preserved and used for the purpose for which it was made. It has an excellent patina and with contours softened and worn down by wear and use.
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VINTAGE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, SMALL
(Ayigalu), Limgam Container
High Grade Silver, 71 cm (28") - Adjustable Cotton Cord, 31.4 Grams
This is a very small Ovoid high grade Silver Lingam Casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “round pot” shape. This is the most common type worn by Lingayat laypeople. Lingayats are easily distinguished from other Hindus because in most cases the lingam casket is visible on the body. 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 pointed ball finals as well. The cotton cord is fine and adjustable in length at 76 cm (30″) and has been strung through the two outer finials allowing the box to be suspended from the neck.
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VINTAGE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, VERY SMALL
(Ayigalu), Limgam Container
High Grade Silver, 71 cm (28") - Adjustable Cotton Cord, 10.2 Grams
Linga Banajiga with Shiva Lingam Casket
This is a very small Ovoid high grade Silver Lingam Casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “round pot” shape. This is the most common type worn by Lingayat laypeople. Lingayats are easily distinguished from other Hindus because in most cases the lingam casket is visible on the body. 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. The double cotton cord is fine and adjustable in length at 71 cm (28″) and has been strung through the two outer finials allowing the box to be suspended from the neck.
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19th CENTURY SOUTH INDIA AMULET, PRAYER BOX ( KAPPU KUTTU), KERALA 57 cm (21") High Grade Silver Chain, Width: 8 cm (3 1/4"), Height: 3.5 cm (1 1/4") 86.8 Gram (3.06 oz.)
1800’s, Devanga Man, Weaver’s Caste, Tamil Nadu, with Amulet Boxes
This is a beautiful antique, from the 19th century, large high grade silver round tubular amulet pendant, prayer box container from Kerala, South India. The tube has bands of very fine chasing which has now worn smooth. The applied top section has eleven decorative bales with round finals. The box unscrews at one end and has a silver cylinder for the insertion of magical protective objects and mantras.
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ANTIQUE ISLAMIC, 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")
Persian Lady wearing Large Quran Scroll Container Necklace
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 SOUTH INDIA SILVER BELT, KERALA Can be worn as a Chain Necklace A Solid, High Grade Silver, 72.4 cm (28 1/2") 225 Grams (7.94 oz.)
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 INDIA NECKLACE, RAJASTHAN PRAYER BOX, TAVIZ ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER BEADS Old Round Purple (Grape) Garnets, 105 cm (27"), 105 Grams (3.70 oz.)
This is a beautifully made most probably early to mid 20th century necklace. It has components from India and Sri Lanka with a high grade silver prayer box amulet from Gujarat or Rajasthan and antique Sri Lanka silver beads and garnets. The center amulet taviz is in the round tube shape with six decorative bales. The amulet container is sealed and hollow with no wax element and quite heavy at approx. 30 grams approx. The granulation and decorative patterns on the front is very fine and of an exceptionally high standard. The taviz prayer box necklace has six antique Sri Lanka silver beads in between very old round purple (grape) garnets – the drilling holes have worn edges. I have identified the Sri Lanka beads as being from the southern part of Sri Lanka and are beautifully executed with the twisted open wire and granulation.
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ANTIQUE ETHIOPIAN NECKLACE, CHUNAM BOX NECKLACE LIME BOX (BETEL NUT) PENDANT 1900's Heirloom Harar Tribe Ethiopian Large Silver Lac Beads 230 Grams (8.11 oz), 57 cm (22 1/2") RARE AND HEAVY NECKLACE
The above elaborately decorative chunam or the lime box from the early 1900’s, is a small version of the high-grade silver round flattened box with and attached chain and spatula. It was used to hold and carry lime (chunam) for mixing with sliced areca nut for betel chewing. It still contains lime residue, and the box opens with a small hinge on the top back of the Chunam. The large heirloom lac beads are known as Muria beads and are from a wedding necklace typically worn by the Harar people of Ethiopia. The spacer bicone beads are also from Ethiopia. These heirloom beads are very old and date from late 1800’s to early 1900’s. The necklace is in good condition with quite some silver tarnish. The chunam lime box, ‘S’ Clasp and Chain for the spatula are all high-grade silver, while the silver beads are a lower grade silver 80% approx. This is a heavy weight necklace, but extremely rare and beautiful.
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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER BEADS NECKLACE or BELT Interlocking Cage Beads, Round Fluted Beads Length: 79 cm (31"), Weight: 85 Grams
This is a 19th or early 20th century, solid high grade silver man’s belt from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon). This can also be worn as a necklace. The fluted round beads are followed by interlocking cage beads, ending with large decorative heavy central closure bead (as detailed in listing photo No. 7). The beads are strung on a 4 mm high grade silver fine herringbone plaited cord. The belt unlocks at the center bead with a screw through the bead. This makes it almost invisible. The screw is very secure and turns anti clockwise to unscrew.
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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA or SOUTH INDIAN AMULET BOX NECKLACE, TAVIZ Silver Fluted Bicone Beads 51 cm (20") High Grade Silver Snake Chain, 75 Gram (2.465 oz.)
This is a necklace circa 19th century – very rare – with five silver taviz prayer box pendants and six high grade silver hollow fluted bicone beads alternatively strung on a fine high grade silver Snake Chain with a S hook for closing. The granulation work and filigree is of an exceptionally high standard and each taviz being decorated differently on all sides. The necklace hangs very well as it is quite heavy at 75 Grams.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, ANTIQUE RAJASTHAN BOX PENDANT
High Grade Silver, 50.8 Grams (1.790 oz.)
Adjustable Cord Length: 91 cm (36")
This is a beautifully made most probably early 20th century high grade silver amulet box pendant. The pendant is from Rajasthan, northern India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of an arrowhead form, plain with no front decoration and two decorative bales. The three dimensional amulet pendant is sealed and contains a wax element. It has eleven sets of gajre dangle balls (plus one long bunch of gajre balls hanging at the center).
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ANTIQUE INDIAN PENDANT, TIKKA BEAD PENDANT High Grade Silver, 25 Grams (0.871 oz.) Adjustable Cord Length: 71 cm (28")
This is a vintage silver Indian Tikka or forehead ornament centre piece from Rajasthan in Northern India. The forehead ornament is worn by the Bhil tribes. The top ornament is a ball pendant worn as a tikka bead on the forehead and attached with chains to secure to the headpiece. The bottom section of the ornament is decorated with a geometric design on a rhombus square, with silver wire beading added. It has a very sturdy clip ring attached and a copper loop for hanging.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, CHOKER or EXTENDED, HIMACHAL PRADESH High Grade Silver, 71 Grams The black cotton cord lengths are 41 cm (16") each side and the silver spacer beads section is 9 cm (7 1/2") The total length of the adjustable necklace is 101 cm (40")
This is an antique high grade silver choker or adjustable length necklace with 54 spacer beads from Himachal Pradesh, northern India and is quite heavy at 71 Grams (2.50 oz.). This necklace from the 1920’s was used to attach rupees along the bottom of the spacer beads and worn as a wealth necklace. The rupee coins could easily be removed when the wearer needed extra cash. Each spacer bead has been intricately cast by a Himachal silversmith.
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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIA TAVIZ, PRAYER BOX NECKLACE, KERALA Six High Grade Silver Prayer Box Amulets, Antique Glass Beads, Silver Cornerless Cube Beads 64 Grams, 51cm (20")
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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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX NECKLACE
Tibetan Heirloom Turquoise, Translucent Tridacna Giant Clam Beads
Eyed Bodhi Seed Beads, Rudraksha Seed Beads, 51cm (20"), 84 Grams
This is a beautifully ornamented with filigree work, silver beaded wire and turquoise cabochons Tibetan Gau box and the oval domed front is of lower grade silver (80%) approx. dating from early to late 19th century. The front of the Ga’u is decorated with 17 turquoise cabochon inset in wax around a decorated silver bezels. (There are four turquoise stones missing). It is strung with a stunning necklace of antique Tibetan beads measuring 51 cm (20″) long.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE MADHYA PRADESH SILVER EARPLUG EARRING PENDANT, CENTRAL INDIA Antique Round Chinese Turquoise Beads, RARE Sri Lanka Silver Beads, 65 cm (25 1/2"), 105 Grams
Musu Kamma – The name of a special ear ornament worn by the Musu Kamma sub-division of Balijas Caste, South India 
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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VINTAGE INDIAN SOLID SILVER TORQUE, HASULI, CHOKER NECK RING
Rajasthani, High Grade Silver, Flexible Opening, 74 Grams
46cm (18"), Comfortable for Wearing
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 DHEBARIA RABARI TWIN NAGALI LOBE EARRING PENDANT NECKLACE Silver, Goldwash, Black Cotton Gold Thread Cord, Rajasthan, 18.6 Grams
This is an early to mid 20th century traditional high grade silver, gold washed, 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 AMULET, HIMACHAL PRADESH, SILVER (50%-80%) PENDANT 46 cm (18") High Grade Silver Turkmen Chain: 46.3 Grams A COLLECTORS ITEM
It is not very often that you come across pendants like this – early to mid 20th century old silver (50-80%) pendant worn by the women in the Himachal Pradesh State in northern India. The jewelers of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu were famous for their silver jewellery skills. Kangra was the kingdom of Rajput in earlier days. They mainly worked with silver. The pendant is still in very good condition. The arrowhead form pendant has a double bale and can be strung on a single or a double strand. There is a row of decorative bells around the bottom of the pendant and a stylized “Tree of Life” in the centre.
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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER MESH LINK CHAIN 7 mm, Genuine, Heavy, Solid High Grade Silver 66 Grams (2.325 oz.), 49.5 cm (19 1/2")
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 necklace is quite heavy in the hand at 66 grams (2.325oz.).
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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER MESH CHAIN 5 mm, Genuine, Solid High Grade Silver, 35 Grams (1.240 oz.), 48 cm (19")
This is a vintage, dating to mid 20th century, genuine, solid, high grade silver, mesh knitted wire flexible chain necklace, from Indonesia. Through wear over the years it has become smooth and supple and has natural silver tarnishing but will polish up beautifully. The making of the chain has been beautifully executed. It has a silver lobster claw for closing. The clasp has been marked with 925 – sterling.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, DUO LORD SHIVA High Grade Silver, Heavy, 53.4 Grams
This is a large,19th century high grade silver amulet pendant of duo Lord Shiva, worn widely in India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir), and has the two die-stamped Shiva forms added separately to the backing plate. It has a decorative bale, and a heavy floral design silver border added.
The subject of the amulet is the major Hindu deity Lord Shiva, who is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity, of the primary aspects of the divine, in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahmā the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver, and Śhiva the destroyer or transformer.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET Silver Rectangular House, Family Unity Symbol Pendant, Rajasthan High Grade Silver, 14.07 grams (0.496 oz.)
This is a vintage high grade silver amulet pendant from Rajasthan, northern India. A sacred and powerful charm, it is believed to offer the wearer protection. The amulet is in the shape of a rectangle, the form symbolic of a house plan, a symbol of family unity, represented by a walled-in rectangle. The amulet uses round units to cover joins. It has four decorative bales and silver border added.
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ANTIQUE ISLAMIC VASE, MIDDLE EASTERN VASE Brass and Copper Vase Islamic Thuluth Calligraphy, Middle East Height 30cm (12 inch), Weight 1.275kg
Masterpiece of Calligraphy:
This is a c.mid 19th century Islamic vase in brass and copper with an elegantly wide flared neck, engraved and incised with Islamic verse calligraphy and patterns throughout. I do not know the exact origin but most possibly from the Middle East.
This is a spectacular piece being made of six separate copper dovetailed sections attached to a flared upper and bottom section – also dovetailed along with a reinforced upright neck rim added. The foot rim is decorated with a geometric design has also been added separately. The beautifully engraved decoration work on this metal ware has been executed by craftsmen with exceptional skill.
The vertical decorations are nine large lobed Thuluth calligraphy inscriptive medallions alternating with nine large lobed medallions filled with designs of scrolling floral arabesques. The six vertical panels alternating in copper and brass. The top and bottom copper bands contain circular cartouches of scrolling floral arabesques and the inscription bands with Thuluth calligraphy.
There is an engraved date or number on the bottom of the vase in Arabic numerals (1701) – translating to 1651.
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ANTIQUE BUDDHA STATUE, NEPAL, TIBET or HIMALAYAN Bhumisparsha Mudra, Meditating Buddha Cast Brass, ca. 18th -19th Century, 370 Grams
This is an antique Sakyamuni Buddha statue from the Himalayan region, Nepal or Tibet. The Buddha is seated in the Bhumisparsha mudra position. This Bhumisparsha mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground, symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree, when he summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment. Buddha is seated on two rows of lotus petals above a stepped platform supported by lions, elephants and in the centre a deity most probably Mahakala who is among the Dharmapalas or “Defenders of the doctrine” and can be recognized by their wrathful representations. Mahakala tantamounts to the Hindu deity Shiva.
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ANTIQUE HIMALAYAN PENDANT, HIMACHAL PRADESH 55.6 Grams High Grade Silver, Turquoise, 46 cm (18"), 3 mm, Silver Snake Chain, 11 Grams
Woman’s Cloak Clasp or Belt Clasp, Heirloom – from Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
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 colour 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 PENDANT, TIBETAN HAIR BEAD ORNAMENTTurquoise, Coral, Mixed Metal Alloy, 83.6 Grams
This is a rather large, late 19th century or early 20th century traditional mixed metal alloy, with very low silver content Tibetan Hair Bead ornament pendant worn by married women. The front is decorated with four turquoise stone cabochons and a central coral bead set in lac. There is very fine silver twisted wire beading and a circle of raised shot beads around the centre stone. There is a row of repousse lotus petals.
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX, SQUARE High Grade Silver Front, Copper Back, Coral, 149.5 Grams (5.275 oz.)
Arts of Asia, 2001– Tibetan Gau
TIBET – 19th Century. This is an antique Tibetan Gau or Ghau Amulet box with four genuine corals set in a bezel setting. The centre mandala is one large coral in the centre of open lotus flower buds and four conch sells. The square surrounding the lotus flower are the Himalayan Buddhist Eight Auspicious Emblems.
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, TIBETAN GHAU, c. Mid 1800's"Tree of Life" with Axis Mundi High Grade Silver Box, Copper Back, Filigree, Gilt, Genuine Coral Cabochon, 137 Grams
This Tibetan high grade silver oblong Gau amulet box ornamented with gilt filigree work and a genuine old coral was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube. The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped gilded filigree sprig leaves, flower and petal elements, surrounding a stylized coral bezel “Tree of Life” and with the Axis Mundi”. The axis mundi (also cosmic axis, world axis, world pillar and centre of the world) is a symbol representing the centre of the world where the heaven (sky) connects with the earth.
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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
Amdo-Officials-Labrang-Eastern-Tibet-c.1930s-Newark-Museum-Archive
This is a large antique Tibetan copper Gau or Ghau amulet box with an applied brass overlay top and side panels and heavy iron inner panels. The top brass face plate etched with the auspicious emblem of four Lotus Flowers and eight Lotus Buds joined together with flowing silk ribbons. The central cut out symbol is one of the Seven Gems: the Crossed Gem (T. nor-bu bskor-cha). The Yin-Yang (or contrary influences) is chased on the top brass plate and around the sides of the Gau Box.
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TIBET, MID 19th CENTURY, WOMAN'S OVAL GAU, GHAU RELIQUARY AMULET BOX (With an applied chased 10 kt gilt over brass stylized Vajra or Dorje (thunderbolt) centre piece overlay. A genuine coral cabochon inset around a decorated brass bezel), 48.6 Grams
Tibetan Gau Boxes with Lepcha Rong Family. c.1930’s
This is a beautiful antique, c.1850 Tibetan Gau Amulet Box and the oval domed front is of high grade silver, 92.5% approx. The back section is made of copper. Although worn in all areas, the oval-shaped silver ga’u was particularly favoured by women in Lhasa and the southern border areas of Tibet, in Sikkim and Bhutan. The front has beautiful high relief repousse work on all sides and the brass center overlay is held in place with a sturdy clip on the inside.
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, PARCEL GILT, HIGH GRADE SILVER FRONT Filigree, Turquoise, Coral, c. 1850, 89.5 Grams
Tibetan Priestess wearing Tibetan Gau Box Necklace
This is a truly beautiful rare well preserved c. 1850’s type in double ogival form Gau box worn by Tibetan women and very popular in the border areas of west and south Tibet and in the Indian Himalayan districts. The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped gilded filigree sprig leaves, surrounding a stylized turquoise bezel “Tree of Life” and with the Axis Mundi”. The axis mundi (also cosmic axis, world axis, world pillar and centre of the world) is a symbol representing the centre of the world where the heaven (sky) connects with the earth.
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AN ISLAMIC, CENTRAL ASIA SILVER QU'RAN HOLDER, TALISMAN , KORAN CONTAINER High Grade Silver, 50.5 Grams Afghanistan, Pashtun
This is an antique, (over 100 years old) high grade silver octagonal talisman miniature Quran case which would have contained inscriptions of verses from the Quran 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).
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ANTIQUE INDIAN CUFF BRACELET, ANKLETGujarat or Rajasthan, Two Part Hollow Hinged, High Grade Silver, Large, 223 Grams
A COLLECTORS ITEM: This type of large silver ornament is disappearing in India today and are very rare and hard to come by: This elegant and simple bracelet or anklet is heavy at 223 grams of high grade silver, and is dated from similar examples from the 1800’s. The round bracelet looks like it came straight out of a modern jeweller’s studio.The hollow cast bracelet is made in two parts. It opens when the front screw is removed, allowing the part to open from the back hinge. This bracelet is most likely from Gujarat or Rajasthan in northern India, and of a type favored by Harijan and Koli women of the Saurashtra region, Gujarat, but also made and used in neighboring Rajasthan.
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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIA BRACELET, TAMIL NADU High Grade Silver, Cuff Linked Bracelet, 125.3 Grams A COLLECTOR'S ITEM
This is a beautiful heavy gauge, high grade solid silver bracelet from Tamil Nadu, South India. This example is particularly beautiful with the attention to detail that has been paid in its construction. It is a five-part, hinged bracelet with the repousse worked panels decorated in typically south Indian leaf scroll patterns and foliate patterns. The central square panel has a stepped pyramid unit, suggests a Hindu temple tower (“sikhar” a Sanskrit word translating literally to “mountain peak”, refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture ), topped by a raised silver diamond.
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ANTIQUE INDIAN BRACELET, ARMLET, VAUKLow Grade Silver, 249.5 Grams, Madhya Pradesh, Central India
RARE: Early 20th century, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, armlet, bracelet. This is a low grade silver armlet (50% approx.) called Vauk, traditionally worn by Maharatta and Gujarati women of the Raval community. The semi flexible body of a broad, braided low grade silver wire band, and hand drawn by a master craftsman, has a central focal ornament, a beautifully etched domed stylized open lotus flower, behind which is the concealed closing device. The bracelet opens slightly by a sliding pin and is semi flexible to stretch open a little. It is large enough to slip over the hand. It is quite heavy and very loose to wear at the wrist.
Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $495.00
ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIA BRACELET, ARMLETToda Tribe, Tamil Nadu, Solid Silver, 129.3 Grams
This is an early 20th century, high grade solid silver, rigid, armlet or bracelet from Toda Tribe, Tamil Nadu, South India, with a traditional stylized diamond shape geometric central piece, with five representations of the “Sun”. The bracelet has been shaped to fit as being worn as an armlet on the upper arm – which it was originally used for. The small opening allows for this armlet to be in place.
Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $495.00
ANTIQUE INDIAN KADLA BRACELET, HIGH GRADE SILVERGujarat or Rajasthan, Northern India, 120.3 Grams (4.245 oz.)
Indian Kadla bracelet looks like it came straight out of a modern jeweller’s studio. The large, hollow cast, made in two parts, high grade silver bracelet opens when the quarter hinged part screw is removed, allowing the part to separate from the hinge and front pin. This is quite an easy operation. This Kadla or Kadiya bracelet is made of a heavy round cast silver sections, tapering to one end with the hand beaten flared rectangle terminals at the front.
Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $550.00
ANTIQUE INDIAN EARRINGS, NAGALI EARRINGS, RABARI, DHEBARIA Rajasthan, High Grade Silver, 21 Grams
This is a pair of early to mid 20th century traditional high grade silver earrings, Nagali, women’s lobe earrings worn by married Dhebaria Rabari women. The Rabari of Pushka are nomadic people who move between Gujarat and Rajasthan. These drop earrings are quite matched in design with the silver band across the front of the earrings, and sets of delicate bells and floral units. They have western size wires for the ears and have been recently added for wearing. There is a wax element in the earrings for weight.
Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $275.00
VINTAGE INDIAN JHUMKA SILVER EARRINGS
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 33.6 Grams
This is a pair of early to mid 20th century traditional high grade silver Jhumka (referring to the bell shape) dangle earrings from Rajasthan, northern India. They are long hanging earrings from the earlobe. The earrings are quite detailed with the ridged design at the top and rows of silver dangling bells around the base and inside. They have a total weight of 33.6 grams.
Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $225.00
VINTAGE INDIAN RING, MAKARA HEADS Men's Thumb Ring, High Grade Silver, 12.8 Grams (0.450 oz.)
This is a vintage high grade silver approx. 85%-90% Makara Heads thumb ring traditionally worn by the men of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. A makara is considered to be an aquatic mythical creature and the vehicle of the goddess Ganga, the Ganges River personified, and Varuna, the god of terrestrial waters, and its magical powers relate to the fertility of water life.
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LADKAH BEADS from an ANTIQUE LADAKHI NECKLACE Three Strands for Jewellery Making, Total Weight: 70 Gram, Low Grade Silver Beads
Example of Beads – 19th Century Ladakh Beads Necklace, V&A Museum, London
Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir State, India c. early 1900’s beads, three strands from a very old Ladakhi necklace. The Ladakhi necklace strands arrived broken from shipping so I have decided to sell the low grade silver beads in a lot for jewellery making. The eleven hand made silver spacer beads have a bezel setting. The stones are now missing. Length: 2.5cm, (1″) , Weight: 41.8 Grams (1.475oz.) at $10.00 each. Ten fringe of drops of closed champakali (jasmine buds). Length: 3.3cm (1 1/4″), Weight: 17.4 Grams (0.615oz.) at $6.50 each. Fifty four small silver spacer beads, Weight: 10.8 Grams (0.380oz.) at $17.00. Total Weight: 70 Grams (2.454oz.).
Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $100.00
ANTIQUE INDIAN CAST BRASS SECTARIAN BODY STAMPS, CHHAPA, SCRIPT RELATED TO DEITY Inscription: In Old Bengali - SHRI SHRI RADHA KRISHNA
These are antique (18th or 19th century) cast bronze and brass sectarian body stamps (chhapa). In use by Vishnu Devotees (gokul sampradaya) and others, they are dipped into a past prepared of sandalwood, then pressed on the skin. (Some paste residue is still present on these stamps.) The square Sectarian Body Stamps have scripts related to a deity, usually Vishnu or Shiva.
JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets and Ethnic Jewellery
Himalayan Treasures: Adornments from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh by Manfred Giehmann The book is available from: https://thamesandhudson.com.au/product/himalayan-treasures-adornments-from-tibet-nepal-bhutan-ladakh-and-arunachal-pradesh/
I have been presented with this fine copy of the book titled Himalayan Treasures – Adornments from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh by Manfred Giehmann which is currently released. indianamulets.com.au is very pleased to have five of its “Himalayan Treasures” included in this publication.
Himalayan Treasures – Adornments from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh features the private jewellery collection of Manfred Giehmann. Collected over 25 years during his numerous discovery journeys in the different parts of the vast Himalayan territory, the collection illustrates the region’s people heritage and culture. It offers the reader a comprehensive view of the jewellery and ornamental traditions from the many tribal groups living in this part of the world.
More than 500 pieces of jewellery and adornments are displayed. The amazing varieties of material, from gold, silver, brass, ivory, semi-precious stones, shells, horn, and leather… demonstrates the unlimited skills of the Himalayan jewellery craftsmen. This book has been written in recognition of their talents. In addition, an authoritative introduction by prominent French scholar Françoise Pommaret, gives the reader a glance into the lifestyles and social systems of the indigenous people of the Himalaya. Format:Hardback, Size:28.8 x 24.4 cm, Extent:264 pp, ISBN:9789811406560.
FEATURED ITEM ANTIQUE MIDDLE EASTERN VASE
