Yemen Silver Hinged Bracelet

Hinged & Pierced Silver Bracelet

Saada Mashraq, Yemen

19th-early 20th century

interior diameter (approx): 5.5cm, weight: 100g

This very fine and wearable hinged silver bracelet most probably is from Saada Mashraq in northern Yemen. It is decorated with fine silver beading, panels of large nodules, and bands of openwork.

The hinge is kept closed by a long silver pin that is removed to open the bracelet. The pin is attached to the bracelet via a silver chain.

Interestingly, the interior is lined with leather (it is the original leather) which has been attaches to the bracelet by means of fine leather strap-work which has been threaded through the pierced borders to become part of the exterior design.

Related examples are illustrated in Ransom (2014, p. 60).

The bracelet here has a good patina and is in excellent condition.

References

Ransom, M., Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry, AUC Press, 2014.

Provenance

private collection, UK.

Inventory no.: 3986

SOLD