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.
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Comments
Ah ha, here's the front. It is upside-down as far as the script is concerned. I'd say this is definitely Afghani.
i ma not sure there is any arabic writing but rather some foliage and classical islamic designs.
Definetely very attractive and old, patinated.
I second hillary for afghanistan or at least the iranian plateau (iran, afghanistan..)
Thank you for your comments Chantal, Hillary and Ayis. Like Ayis, I thought the design was foliage. I thought if it was Arabic the swirl would spiral in the opposite direction. But Hillary's comment made me take another look. From the side view I could suddenly see the possibility of Kufic. Then I remembered another ring I bought from the same dealer...definitely an Arabic script...I have not yet found anybody that could read it. I'm posting its picture along with the pictures or the first ring flipped over. To me, the second ring is typical of the form of rings from Afghanistan. The second ring, by the way, has the script turned 90 degrees from the way it should be (that's another story) Do you have any ideas about the unusual form of the ring?
Dear Suzan
Thanks for your email. The ring that you like so much is indeed very similar to the one that used to be in my possession. (http://ethnic-jewels.com/gallarge7/rinz283.htm) I did not think of it as very very old and the fact that you have another equal to it confirms my opinion. It is not unusual that a given silversmith, having found a design of his liking, crafts several copies of the same style. Clearly, the oldest the making the most difficult is to find more pieces of the same.
This said, I liked it myself. I bought it in Peshawar (Pakistan) some five years ago and listed it on the site this year and sold it immediately. To whom? Frankly I do not remember but if important to you, I can check my files. As for design, I don’t think there is a “typical afghani ring”as the local art is most immaginative. As for decoration: I do not see any writing not arabic nor farsi. For me is just beautiful islamic deco. This is just my humble opinion. Enjoy your ring! Best from Karim
Hello Karim,
I very much appreciate your comments. Finally to get to the heart of the mystery! What you say about a silversmith making more than one of a successful design does make sense. The fact that more than one can be found would certainly have bearing on its age.
That you purchased it in Peshawar five years ago puts me close to its origins. I think I bought my ring about five years ago also. That you sold it this year means that my ring couldn't be your ring (also there are slight variations between the two rings.) Thanks for your thoughts on the design and the surface inscription. My first guess was that the carving was not arabic or farsi but upon examining another afghani ring in my possession I saw the same tall character with a swirl at the bottom and that one is clearly part of a script. I have not met anybody who can read it though.
It was thrilling to discover you had a similar ring. I could hardly believe my eyes! The collective knowledge of this community amazes me. Thank you for answering my many questions and thanks also to Marie-Ange who pointed me to your website.