Enquiry about object: 9926
Five Tibetan Turquoise & Silver Hair Beads
Central Tibet 18th-19th century
length: between 4.5 and 4.9cm, width: between 2.9 and 3.9cm, combined weight: 69g
Provenance
private collection, The Netherlands
These five Tibetan hair beads are notable for their subtle variety and authenticating wear.
Such beads were worn in the hair by upper class women in Lhasa, Central Tibet.
The beads are of silver, over a black pitch body, and feature fine silver wirework, pearled wire, and granulation work. Each has at its centre, a large turquoise cabochon. One bead has an additional three small turquoise cabochons on each side, all in box settings.
The reverse of one is enclosed with a thin, hammered copper sheet. Two are enclosed with iron sheet. Two are missing their enclosures.
Each has an excellent patina and ample wear and smoothness from age and use.
References
Casey Singer, J., Gold Jewelry from Tibet and Nepal, Thames & Hudson, 1996.
Geoffrey-Schneiter, B., Bijoux des Toits du Monde de la Chine au Caucase, Foundation Baur, Musee des Artes D’Extreme-Orient/5 Continents, 2012.
Ghose, M. (ed.), Vanishing Beauty: Asian Jewelry and Ritual Objects from the Barbara and David Kipper Collection, Art Institute of Chicago, 2016.
Seiwert, W.D., Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2009.
