AN EXTREMELY RARE & COMPLETE ANTIQUE ISLAMIC BUKHARA ENAMEL SILVER & GILT NIELLOED BELT ( KAMARBAND HONOR BELT ), BUKHARA UZBEKISTAN CENTRAL ASIA CIRCA 19TH CENTURY. comprising of two fitted plaques, Large Natural Turquoise On the Central top of panel, The central panel Of Silver With Gold Plated and decorated in Niello with a symmetrical pattern of interlacing leafy scrolls and split-leaf palmettes, between two panels composed of three lobed arches each with a nielloed floral pattern, the reverse with a clasp and two large and two smaller hooks. Very Rarely encountered with Complete Set of Belt, comprising a massive two-piece buckle and Five large mounts, all of solid silver; each pierced, profiled, engraved, Enameled, nielloed and gilded en suite, mounted on a broad waistband woven of silk with borders composed of red and white chevrons. Late 18th Century to First half of the 19th century. Light wear. For centuries the Central Asian Khanates observed specific sumptuary laws which persisted until the early 20th century. These governed the quality of garments and accoutrements one could wear based upon his station. Honor belts such as this were typically presented by the Khan or Amir to ministers, members of court, and heroes who had distinguished themselves in battle.For a Similar Piece and incomplete see Sothebys Arts of the Islamic World April 2012 Sold for 7,500 GBP.For a stylistic comparison with other belt buckles from Bukhara, including how they would have been worn, please see: Kalter and Pavaloi 1997, pp.302-303, nos.616-619.

Extremely Fine & Complete, Intact.