Central Asia, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, Turkoman (Turkman) Tekke peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A striking cast 86.5% to 90% silver bracelet consisting of four horizontal panels adorned with incised scrollwork motifs and inlaid ovoid agate stones of fiery red hues. The exterior is covered in a thin layer of gilding - comprised of up to 42% gold - making for a golden glow that contrasts with the exposed silver of the 18 spikes that line the opening, 9 on either side. Quality of silver: 86.5% to 90%. Quality of gilding: up to 42%. Size: 4.125" L x 2.625" W (10.5 cm x 6.7 cm)
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, ex Beverly Hills collection
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#140969
Condition
Some wear to gilding as shown, else excellent.