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Granulated Bracelet from Palestine or Levant

Posted by Lynn Ardent on May 23, 2015 at 11:05pm

A silver bracelet with intense old and worn granulation, from the Levant, Palestine, or elsewhere in the Ottoman world. With four large ten-pointed flowers, and four sets of double hearts connected at their points. While this bracelet has some shared characteristics with Yemeni work, I do not believe it is Yemeni. The reason why are: 1) it has a pin/hinge system which is the same as bracelets from Nablus, and not found in Yemeni jewelry. 2) the diamond pieces of applique are three-dimensional like those found in Armenian and other Ottoman work. 3) It has an applied chain on the edges top and bottom which is exactly like my Haydari bracelet and again I think not found in Yemeni bracelets. For these reasons I wonder if the bracelet is from Palestine or the Levant or? Please ID if you can. More photos in the comments.Dimensions:70mm round exterior60mm round interior32mm wide165 grams

Comments

Lynn Ardent May 23, 2015 at 11:08pm

Adding more photos.
Betty May 24, 2015 at 4:25pm

Wow, this is a gorgeous piece, Lynn, congrats!

I would also tend to say Levant/palestine for the reasons you mention. The chain that secures the pin also looks a lot like those found in other jewels from the Levant...
Ethnic Embellishments May 24, 2015 at 4:37pm

Lynn, This is absolutely gorgeous. It looks good enough to eat! this is definitely work from a master smith and I concur with your Levantine origin theory.
Lynn Ardent May 24, 2015 at 4:51pm

Thank you so much Betty and Hillary. I am amazed by the layers of granulation here. There is the sheet base of the bracelet + a layer of twisted rope + a sheet layer underneath each large design + filigree shaping out the design + another layer of filigree or a base layer of granulation + top layer of granulation!!
Toya May 24, 2015 at 5:39pm

This piece appears both strong and elegant at the same time. A true masterpiece!
Nada May 24, 2015 at 5:41pm

Lynn, this is a stunning bracelet. If it is a Muharram bracelet from Nablus, it's the finest I've ever seen. Although it screams "Yemeni" when you first see it, upon closer inspection, you change your mind for the reasons you mention which are all valid. The placing of the disc with the floral motif also at the side rather than at the front and the type of chain all point to the Levant. Could also be the work of Deir Ezzor in Syria. Such fine granulation!!! Really superb. Many many congratulations on this fine piece. I will ask around when I next see my dealer friends who know more than I do, but it may be a while before I get back to you. Amazing find!
ingrid Langerak May 24, 2015 at 11:10pm

Beautiful, Lynn, a very rich looking bracelet. Lots of skill and silver. Gr. Ingrid.
Lynn Ardent May 25, 2015 at 12:33am

Thank you so much, Toya and Ingrid, and thank you Nada for your insightful commentary! I learn so much from your comments and from studying the pieces that you kindly share. Do you have any recommendations for reference books for Syrian jewelry?
Ethnic Embellishments May 25, 2015 at 4:40am

I just can't get over the incredible workmanship!
Preethi May 25, 2015 at 5:15am

All that granulation - sublime! You have had some fabulous pieces make their way to you, congratulations!