Page 92 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art March 2016 New York

57
A GOLD KANTAR (ROYAL CHAIN)
Indonesia, Sumba Island
The heavy chain finely braided with gold wire, with two short sections
arranged in even denser patterns, the terminals each consists of a
cylinder element and a filigree work of stylized head of naga, each
framed by five granule finials.
57 1/4 in. (145.4 cm) long
$8,000 - 12,000

印尼 松巴島 王室金鏈

This dense gold chain would have likely been worn by the personal
entourage of a king to convey his master’s wealth and power. Compare
it to a kantar with similar terminals sold at Sotheby’s, London, 11
October 1990, lot 262. For other examples of royal chains, see Miksic,
Old Javanese Gold, New Haven, 2011, p.114, pl. 11, and Capistrano-
Baker, Philippine Gold, New York, 2015, p.45, fig.6.

Provenance
Private American Collection by 1990

58
A PARCEL-GILT SILVER AND SILVER
WOMAN’S BELT ORNAMENT (GYENZEN)
Tibet, circa 18th/19th century
Comprised of large central medallion worked in fine gold-wire scrolling
motifs and inset with turquoise, connected with three perpendicular
braided silver bands, secured with cartouches and end-sections of
similar design, with a long silver chain attached.
Main section: 15 1/2 x 18 1/2 in. (39.3 x 46.9 cm);
Silver chain: 50 1/4 in. (127.6 cm) long
$2,500 - 3,500

西藏 約十八／十九世紀 銀局部鎏金女用腰飾

Belts such as these were worn with the central strap hanging down
freely. Additional long strands of semi-precious beads were attached
to the end of the central strap for important occasions. These could
loop down almost to the ground and back up again where they were
attached to the main garment somewhere near the shoulder. For
similar belts see Casey, Gold Jewelry from Tibet and Nepal, London,
1996, p. 142; Clarke, Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas, London,
2004, p. 67; and in Beguin, Dieux et Demons de l’ Himalaya, Paris,
1977, p.284, no. 379.

Referenced
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/61442

Provenance
Private New York Collection, acquired New York, late 1980s

90 | BONHAMS