Fine, Sri Lankan Silver Bracelet with Applied Work

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This very fine bracelet from Sri Lanka is of high-grade silver. The band is of hollow silver sheet, that has been decorated with much fine silver filigree and granulation work.

The bracelet opens – there is a screw (which turn anti-clockwise to close in the old manner) that is disguised as the central bud-like finial emanating from the centre of the cross-like bezel at the front of the bracelet.

A related (but less fine) example is illustrated in van Cutsem (2002, p. 211).

The example here has a very fine patina. There are minor, age-related losses., but overall, this is a splendid and quite rare piece.