Bhutan Koma Brooches, Bhutanese Koma Fasteners

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.  Refer the last listing photo. 

The outer circle has the etched border.  The centre stones are now missing (mostBhnutan probably turquoise).

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 hooks of the Koma brooches are attached to the front of the dress - one on either shoulder or upper chest - and then been linked by a chain forming an additional decorative feature across the front.

The four parallel mixed metal alloy fine silver mesh linking chains are attached to rectangular silver element at each end.

This pair of koma brooches are from the early 20th century, as the arrival of round shoulder brooches was only introduced in the early 20th century.

This pair have obvious wear and age from decades of actual use. The contours of the silver have been softened and the pair have a superb patina, front and back

Weight: 185.23 Grams, (6.534 oz.)
Length of Chain: 20.5 cm (8 ")
Koma Width: 5.5 cm (2 1/4")
Koma Height: 5.5 cm (2 1/4")
Total Length: 32 cm (13")
Tested: Low Grade Silver Front and back, Rectangle Silver Elements and chain tested mixed metal alloy, Large Ring at back tested high grade silver.

PRICE: USD $995.00 
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