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A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Burmese Minority Cuff

Posted by Lynn Ardent on February 15, 2015 at 12:41am

A massive silver cuff from one of the minority peoples of Burma, Shan or Kachin. Two thick rings of silver are joined by an hourglass shape made up of fused coiled wire on the inside and out. Over this, there is applied chain work, granulation, and filigreed floral shapes. So smooth and gently curving that it is comfortable to wear, despite it's massive size. I think this is authentic and old but I welcome opinions otherwise! A few more photos in the comments.Dimensions:376 grams10 cm long8.5 cm at widest

Comments

Lynn Ardent February 15, 2015 at 12:49am

Photo of the inside, showing the coiled wire interior:
Lynn Ardent February 15, 2015 at 12:50am

On the hand for a sense of scale:
Linda Pastorino February 15, 2015 at 3:19am

I see yours inside and I don't think mine is like this but will look. Maybe I am assuming the wire is over the top. Mine looks same as yours outside. The structure is very interesting. Mine is so worn that maybe the rings have gone flat and i'm assuming it's different. I'll look and let you know. Yours is a very nice piece and it fits!
Eva Baby February 15, 2015 at 8:28am

wonderful!!!!
Mustafa J. Salem February 15, 2015 at 8:35am

Gorgeous, Lynn> Such a fantastic piece of work that is professionally done. Congratulations for this museum piece.
Lynn Ardent February 15, 2015 at 1:54pm

Thank you Linda, Eva, and Mustafa. I love this bracelet and love to wear it. Linda, I will be interested to hear if yours is the same. On this one, there is no place where I can see a sheet of silver though it could be inside the coils. The floral elements are done over coiled wire, and the inside is coiled end to end until it reaches the rings. I was surprised when I really started examining this.
Linda Pastorino February 15, 2015 at 5:42pm

I looked at mine inside which is like this one and the center is made with concentric rings of metal. The outer bands are made with sheets. I never knew this , I guess never studied the way it was manufactured. The larger ones I have are made with sheets inside. The smaller enameled one has concentric rings inside.
Betty February 15, 2015 at 7:54pm

Superb! This is a fantastic piece . Looking great on your arm, too.
Lynn Ardent February 16, 2015 at 2:33am

Thank you Betty! Despite the weight it's quite comfortable to wear too, because the inside is gently curved and it fits so close. Linda, thanks for looking at your bracelet, I was very curious and thought they might be the same.