19th C. Turkoman Gilt Silver & Carnelian Bracelet

Central Asia, Afghanistan, Turkoman, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A dazzling antique gilt silver bracelet comprised of a single horizontal register of 4 ovoid carnelian stones set in silver bezels amidst a fire-gilded ground that is engraved with beautiful curvilinear motifs. The raised borders framing this register is also incised with diagonal, cord-patterns, while the peripheries of the band boast gilt, scrolling designs. The cuff ends are additionally adorned in 6 petaloid terminals, 3 on each side. Size (of bracelet): 2.8" L x 1.1" W (7.1 cm x 2.8 cm); Size (of wrist opening): 2.2" W (5.6 cm); silver quality: 90%; weight: 78.1 grams

Fabulous jewelry like this was a hallmark of elite men and women in the Turkoman society. Powerful people wore the items they commissioned or gave them as diplomatic gifts to rulers and elites in other countries as a way of showcasing the wealth of their own region. Jewelers worked on commissions from the richest members of society, obtaining precious metal from various mountains in the area, including Ferghana and the Zartalash east of Tashkent. Jewelers worked with a variety of different precious and semi-precious stones, also sourced from far afield. Artisans in cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent kept alive metalworking traditions once common in the medieval period long after Europeans lost them.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010; ex-Beverly Hills collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168300
Condition Report: Wearable as shown. Minor abrasions to bracelet and carnelian stones, with light fading to gilding in some areas, otherwise intact and very good. Wonderful patina throughout. Collection label on interior of band.