Gallery

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.

Side view of a pendant for a deity figure, Nepal, made in 1667

Posted by Joost Daalder on August 25, 2011 at 2:12pm

This could well be described as the most important piece of ethnic jewellery which Truus and I own, and which we bought from Linda Pastorino in (I think) 2005 (it had been shown in the splendid book which she prepared for the Paris Parcours). This is a repousse silver and gilt bronze ornament on a (later) chain, offered to an image of the Lord Buddha and referred to as the "Heart Flower" in the text on the back of the ornament. The front has representations of the five Tagatha (Wisdom) Buddhas and four Taras (consorts). The centre, as can be seen, is raised in high relief. The text on the back includes the date (AD 1667). The ornament measures 17.5 x 17.5 cm, and the dome is 6 cm high. The back, with its text, is reproduced in Truus's *Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment*, p. 306, where this is one of the major pieces. We consider ourselves lucky to be the custodians of this significant and spiritual ornament.

Comments

Alaa eddine SAGID August 25, 2011 at 2:46pm

Thanx Joost for the side wiew picture as it highlights the 3D overall construction of this sublime piece.

Why do you qualify this as an "ethnic jewelry" piece ? My understanding is that is was used as a religious artefact!
Joost Daalder August 26, 2011 at 1:30am

A perfectly reasonable question, Ayis. It is "ethnic" in that it is distinctive to its particular culture, aesthetically and otherwise; and it is jewellery in that it was actually worn by the image, placed on it as a necklace, on set occasions. People in the Himalayas, moreover, often gave away their own jewellery to deities as a sacrifice. It is not uncommon for something to be both jewellery and a religious artefact - the two roles are not mutually exclusive. Images of Indian gods and goddesses wear tons of jewels as part of their own appearance.
Eva Baby August 26, 2011 at 9:37am

Very fascinating piece. It surely has a religious meaning, protective probably. I have lived one year in Thailand and anything with Buddha or Boddhisattvas on it is in principle religious and protective.
Joost Daalder April 1, 2012 at 4:14am

One of our most important pieces of jewellery - perhaps THE most important. It has great cultural significance and beauty, and is extraordinary in being 17th century, with the date actually inscribed on the back as equivalent to 1667 CE (not that the inscription by itself would sway one). Please see the caption for further details.