Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An opulent and quite sizeable neckpiece featuring 14 hinged brass panels, each one depicting a seated Buddha in a meditative pose with inlaid red coral body elements - a closer look reveals that the faces are delicately carved with features too - as well as blue turquoise beads inlaid at each end of the Buddha's 'beaded' necklace. Each figure sits against a ground that is further adorned with round turquoise inlays, and the lowest register features piriform red coral inlays. The panel at the nape of the neck differs in that it is round, yet it is also adorned with a seated Buddha inlaid with turquoise and red coral stones; it presents a loop that fits the hook of the neighboring panel. Though missing a few inlays, the piece features hundreds of beautiful stones as shown. Size: edge to edge when closed 10" L x 10.5" W (25.4 cm x 26.7 cm); opening 7" L x 6.75" W (17.8 cm x 17.1 cm); most panels 2" L x 1.75" W (5.1 cm x 4.4 cm); round panel 2" in diameter (5.1 cm); end panels 1.75" L x 2.75" W (4.4 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#128401

Several inlays are missing - as shown - however, many panels show 40+ inlays - amounting to easily more than 500 stone inlays. Brass shows tarnish and areas of oxidation. Minor bending to some crowns.