Central Asia, India, probably Maharashtra or Andhra Pradesh, ca. 19th century CE. A very fine and heavy silver belt - composed of three woven, flexible, snake-like chains; 6 loop-shaped separators, each one comprised of 6 joined wires with an embossed panel adorned by opposing teardrop motifs with petite diamond-shaped forms between, as well as an elaborate buckle - truly a magnficent frontispiece - comprised of horizontal bands of diagonally ridged motifs, vertical filigreed and granulated bands, passages of stylized flowers in relief, and a central column of a 3 contiguous, diamond-shaped motifs comprised of tiny squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The buckle is secured by a screw pin closure that fits well when the sides are aligned. The woven chains are comprised of 65% silver; the buckle is comprised of 95% silver making it of sterling quality; and the looped separators are comprised of 99% silver - nearly pure silver! Size: 29.25" L x 1.625" H (at the buckle) (74.3 cm x 4.1 cm); weight - 1 pound (453.6 grams)

For similar examples see: Daalder, T., Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment: Australia, Oceania, Asia, Africa, Ethnic Art Press/Macmillan, 2009 AND Utracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.

Provenance: private House of Indus Collection

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#138175

Belt is in excellent form - still flexible with vivid decorative motifs. There is some slight waviness to the woven chains but otherwise the belt is generally excellent and the buckle works perfectly! Note that the screw to fastent the buckle screws counterclockwise - opposite to western, modern screw mechanisms. The belt has a beautiful patina from more than 100 years of use.