Two Marwari Women, India, c. 1850’s attributed to Taurines

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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

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: jasmineium3@bigpond.com

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

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NEW ARRIVALS

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $245.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $895.00

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Kalki Avatar of Lord Vishnu, Symbol of the Mighty Warrior
High Grade Silver, 112 Grams, LARGE, 15cm (6 inches)

This is quite a LARGE example of an early to mid 20th century high grade silver amulet pendant worn by the tribal people of 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 large sturdy bale.  

Kalki is an Avatara of Vishnu. Avatara means “Descent” and refers to a descent of the divine into the material realm of human existence. The Garuda Puran lists ten incarnations, with Kalki being the tenth. He is described as the incarnation who appears at the end of the Kali Yuga. He ends the darkest, degenerating and chaotic stage of the Kali Yuga (Period) to remove adharma and ushers in the Satya Yuga, while riding a white horse with a fiery sword. He restarts a new cycle of time. He is described as a Brahmin warrior in the Puranas.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $895.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $995.00

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ANTIQUE ISLAMIC TAWIZ AMULET, ISLAMIC TALISMAN
Muslim Takhti-Shaped Amulet,
Prayer to Ali, Nad-i-‘Ali Amulet
High Grade Silver, 30.38 Grams

RARE: Late 19th early 20th Century

This is a late 19th early 20th century antique silver Muslim Takhti-shaped Amulet with Prayer to Ali, in Arabic calligraphy. The inscription of the five lines on the amulet:

IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MERCIFUL, THE COMPASIONATE
CALL ON ALI WHO SHOWETH FORTH MIRACLES, THOU WILT FIND HIM A HELP TO THEE
IN ADVERSITIES, ALLCARE ANDGRIEF SHALL VANISH
BY THE HOLINESS OH ALI
OH ALI, OH ALI

The Nad-i-‘Ali amulet is much used by the Shi’ah sectarians – or followers of Ali.  It is very hard to find this type of Islamic Talisman from Northern India and they are quite rare.The above shield shape amulet is known as “The Takhti-shape” with two sturdy bales and floral untis.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $425.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $625.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $425.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $695.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $165.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $795.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $850.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $495.00

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ANTIQUE INDIAN BRACELET, MAKARA HEADS, GAJRE BALLS
High Grade Silver, 201 Grams

From ‘Traditional Jewelry of India’ Oppi Untracht, Page 254.

A COLLECTORS ITEM:

This type of large silver ornament is disappearing in India today and are very rare and hard to come by: Quote: from ‘Traditional Jewelry of India’ Oppi Untracht, Page 254. “This is a two part bracelet known as nogri or gajredar bangri with central makara heads. The bracelet is ornamented with bunches of hollow balls (gajre) rigidly fixed to the main body by threading a wire through their integral loops. (I have attached in the last listing photo an example of the complex work that goes into making the gajre ball). This work is called moti ke gajre kam; the effect of bunching is guchchedar. A silver ball bunch is called chandi ke gajre ka guchchha.” The hollow cast bracelet is made in two parts. It opens when the front screw is pulled up, allowing the part to open from the side hinge.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $1,100.00

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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:

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $1,995.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $450.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $215.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $295.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $775.00  

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $1,495.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $895.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $150.00

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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

Kerala, South India, Girl with Prayer Box Belt

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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $795.00

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VINTAGE INDIAN PRAYER BOX, INDIAN TAVIZ (Opens)
Rajasthani Amulet Box, High Grade Silver, Silver Snake Chain, 37 Grams

This is a beautiful traditional high grade silver cylinder amulet box container in the traditional style of Rajasthan, Northern India. It has been very well made with fine detail.  At 37 Grams is is quite heavy for its size and hangs well.  The taviz box container opens at one end for the insertion of magical protective objects and mantras on paper, which are to protect the wearer from all calamities.  It has been made from a high grade silver stamped sheet with three bales. The container has rounded ends with three dangles.  The taviz has been strung on a new 56cm (22 inch) Indian high grade silver snake chain with a S clasp for closing.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE:  USD $295.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE:  USD $525.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $995.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $695.00

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE, KILLOTAYA, LIME BOX (BETEL NUT) PENDANT
1800’s, Heirloom Harar Tribe Ethiopian Large Silver Lac Beads
230 Grams (8.11 oz), 57 cm (22 1/2″)

The above elaborately decorative chunam or the lime box (killotaya) from the 1800’s, is a small version of the high grade silver round flattened box with and attached chain and spatula called in Sri Lanka a Killotaya, and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The large heirloom beads are known as Muria beads and are from a wedding necklace typically worn by the Harar people of Ethiopia. These heirloom beads are very old and date from the late 1800’s. The spacer bicone beads are also from Ethiopia.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $995.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price: USD $895.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – Price:  USD $895.00

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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).

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $495.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP: – PRICE:  USD $895.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $450.00

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX, NECKLACE, with RELICS
TIBETAN dZi BEADS, 19TH CENTURY
Sherpa Coral Barrel Beads, Coral Rondelles, Heirloom Tibetan Turquoise, Mother of Pearl Beads, Yellow Amber Beads

Necklace length: 51cm (21″); Pendant Height:10cm (4 1/4″)
Weight: 250 Grams (8.8 oz.)

Antique Tibetan Gau Box with Handwritten Prayer and Printed Mantra

This is a beautifully preserved and intact classic Lhasa style low grade silver g’au box. The turquoises chips are all original – with no loss – and have not yet lost their luminousity. I found enclosed a printed mantra and a hand written prayer from the previous owner. The Gau Box is strung with an array of beads measuring 51 cm (21″) long. These beads are part of a complete Tibetan style costume and is typical of many in its combination of real and imitation beads.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $1,895.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $995.00

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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

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $895.00

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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″)

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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $150.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $495.00

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ANTIQUE DHEBARIA RABARI TWIN NAGALI LOBE EARRING PENDANT NECKLACE
Silver, Goldwashed, 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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $395.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $195.00

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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.).

Visit the SHOP – PRICE: USD $495.00

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN DIAMOND WHEAT LINK CHAIN
Woven Chain Width: 13 mm (5/8″)
Chain Weight: 92 Grams (3.255 oz.), Chain Necklace Length: 48 cm (18 3/4″)

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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE:  USD $625.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE USD $225.00

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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.

Visit the SHOP – PRICE:  USD $175.00

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JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets and Ethnic Jewellery

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Himalayan Treasures: Adornments from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh
by Manfred Giehmann (Author)
Dr Françoise Pommaret (Introduction), Christian J. Creutz (Photographer)

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.

 

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FEATURED ITEM

ANTIQUE MIDDLE EASTERN VASE

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