The shape of this antique pendant is a Dharmachakra or "wheel with 8 spokes", which is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Eight oval shaped turquoise surround a ninth turquoise stone, with each stone set in a silver bezel on a silver backing. When mined, turquoise is a soft stone, and all old stones were set into a bezel for protection. Later stablization processes were used so that bezels were no longer required...
This hollow silver anklet is from the Nuristani area of Afghanistan.
With the loose metal rattle rolling inside the hollow space, a soft noise was created as the wearer moves. This anklet has nice patina and has a few minor dents, which attest to the age and travels of the artifact.
Many pieces of turkmen "jewelry" were sewn to clothing as amulets. This rare teke turkomen pendant was originally worn as a necklace and still has the original leather neckstrap. This piece has 5 flat carnelians and gold wash or "fireguilded" detail. The pendant is 6 inches across and 10 inches long.
Large by Western standards, this is actually the "childs" size version of this foo dog necklace worn by the Chinese Miao minority 70-90 years ago. Made of low grade silver, typical of Chinese jewelry of the time period, the intricate pendant is 5.5 inches across, 6.5 inches long and suspended from a long hand-made chain. The heads of the foo dogs are in a pin which allows them to turn freely and the central "flower" is also suspended on a wire which allows it to spin...
This pair of traditional silver ear plugs were worn in the enlarge holes of the Yao woman of China and Thailand. The same filgree pattern is on both sides of the earplugs. The plugs are 1+ inches in diameter and 1/2 inches thick.
Beautiful antique silver bracelet from Himalayan region, my best quess is Nepal. Six Lapis Lazuli stones set in convex curve with etched leaf design that covers the background of the bracelet. Hinge and pin opening gives easy on and off usage.
Nice weight, no marks, width is 1.25 inches, each stone is .5 inches by .75 inches, nice weight, excellant condition, no dings, no dents
This Yao necklace and matching pair of earrings have added beads and long silk tassels. Both are light weight and easy to wear. The earrings are hollow with the same repeated design pattern on the backside. The wire loop may be a bit thick as they were made to accommodate the large ear holes which are traditional for the Chinese minority groups. These loops could easily be changed out for posts or a thinner wire hoop.
Heavy fine silver bracelet. Bands of braided silver alost 2 inches wide
Origin Maduya Pradesh India Raj period.
Weighs 8.2 oz...
This wide cuff Chinese bracelet has deeply repousse design composed of detailed symbols related to Miao Ethic Minority myths and legends. Such bracelets would have been worn in matched pairs, one on each wrist, by the women of the "short skirt" Miao of Dan Zhai, and the bracelets would have been handed down from mother to daughter for generations.
The cuff is almost 3 inches at the widest point in the front because of its large size and rolled edge it easily slips onto most wrists.
Originally, this was the largest of a set of 3 graduated matching silver necklaces. They were worn as a set for festival by the Miao Chinese Ethnic Minority women. The necklace was skillfully hand-formed from a sheet of silver into a curving tapered tube with a reposse pattern of 2 dragons chasing pearl. It spans 10.5 inches across.
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
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The groups of Yao minority live in in both China and Thailand. This necklace is of low grade silver which was typical of the Chinese jewelry around the late 1800's and early 1900's. The necklace is light weight and comfortable to wear.
This pair of low grade silver Chinese Bracelets are Miao Ethnic Minority. Low grade silver was used extensively throughout China during the 19th and early 20th century. To a Westerner the backs look like the bracelets are adjustable, this is a decorative element only and they are not adjustable. The fronts are deeply etched with animals. At the widest point in the front the bracelets measure 1.25 inches...