Uzbek Silver Buckle set with Turquoise

This very fine and unusual buckle is of rectangular, lozenge form and is in two halves that clip together.

It is of high-grade silver, and has been finely engraved with stylised poppy motifs set amongst foliage. It is inset with dozens of small, round turquoise cabochons.

The outer border is pierced.

Kalter (1997, p. 310) illustrates a related but larger buckle of similar form and set with many small turquoise cabochons that is attributed to 1880-90 Bukhara.

Such buckles were worn with fine silk belts. The example here most probably would have been worn by an aristocratic lady.

The example here is in fine condition with no apparent missing stones.