19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
219
AN ALMOND-SHAPED NIELLO AND SILVER MINANGKABAU BUCKLE (PANDIANG)
West Sumatra, Southeast Asia, late 19th - early 20th century
AN ALMOND-SHAPED NIELLO AND SILVER MINANGKABAU BUCKLE (PANDIANG)
West Sumatra, Southeast Asia, late 19th - early 20th century
Of almond-like shape, executed in silver with niello inlay, the front surface richly decorated with vegetal meanders and rosette sprays arranged in concentric registers surrounding a central roundel, the reverse with a square fastening mount, the elongated terminals enhancing the streamlined form.
18cm x 9cm
This style of buckle, often referred to as a pending buckle, was traditionally worn in Southeast Asia as part of ceremonial attires, with the almond shape evoking fertility and protection against the evil eye. The technique of niello—fusing a black mixture of silver, copper, lead, and sulphur into incised silver—was widely practiced in the Malay world and highly prized for the contrast it offered against polished silver surfaces.
Sold for £160
AN ALMOND-SHAPED NIELLO AND SILVER MINANGKABAU BUCKLE (PANDIANG)
West Sumatra, Southeast Asia, late 19th - early 20th century
Of almond-like shape, executed in silver with niello inlay, the front surface richly decorated with vegetal meanders and rosette sprays arranged in concentric registers surrounding a central roundel, the reverse with a square fastening mount, the elongated terminals enhancing the streamlined form.
18cm x 9cm
This style of buckle, often referred to as a pending buckle, was traditionally worn in Southeast Asia as part of ceremonial attires, with the almond shape evoking fertility and protection against the evil eye. The technique of niello—fusing a black mixture of silver, copper, lead, and sulphur into incised silver—was widely practiced in the Malay world and highly prized for the contrast it offered against polished silver surfaces.
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 19th Jun, 2025
Our specialist auction Arts of India and the Islamic Lands is now online for you to browse, peruse and fall in love with your next antique.
Among the highlights, this sale vaunts a remarkable selection of Rajput Schools paintings and an illustrated loose folio from a Timurid Haft Paykar series, all part of a private Canadian collection; several gem-studded Indian necklaces, treasured heirlooms of a local family; a notable group of Islamic manuscripts, including a geomantic tome attributed to the Nubian alchemist Dhul-Nun al-Misri; and several lots of Persian Qajar lacquer belonging to the heir of a British diplomatic family in office under Sir Denis Wright in Tehran between 1971 - 1973.
Our selected lots preview starts next week, on Tuesday 3rd June, and the full view is going to take place from Friday 13th June until the sale day.
Mark your calendars and come to see us!
For any enquiries, please contact us at:
Viewing
Viewing:
13th June - 10:00 - 17:00
14th June - 11:00 - 16:00
15th June - 11:00 - 16:00
16th June - 10:00 - 17:00
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
