DSC09997

This photo is indeed much clearer, Marie-Ange, and makes it easier than before to judge the nature of the silver work. Linda has sent me a response from Hannelore Gabriel (noted expert on Nepal) dealing with the question whether this is Nepalese or from another place - if it is from elsewhere, then Linda and I can certainly agree on Himachal Pradesh. Reading HG, I would now conclude that it is a tilari style allright ("definitely", HG says), but that the workmanship is, as Linda maintained, very probably not from Nepal. I favour, in that case, Himachal Pradesh, because it is close to Nepal, and very fine work was made in both places. Mutual cultural influence is not surprising. I quote HG's very informative letter as emailed to me by Linda: "Very intriguing. I'd say it is not from Nepal, but I have proven myself wrong on many occasions. I have never seen a similar piece, but it definitely is some sort of variation or offspring of the Rajasthani wedding necklace, the style brought to Nepal with the Indian migrants during the Islamic invasion around the 12th century. Neither have I come across silver granulation in Nepal, and this work points more to Pakistan. My guess is the northern mountains of Pakistan or in the Himalayan areas in India. The style is definitely tilari, with seed beads and the red beads next to the center piece. Interesting is also the color choice of the seed beads. When I photographed my illustration 229 in the very western area of Nepal, I thought that the black beads make no sense in a wedding necklace. The black could be a protection against evil spirits. But since the colors match the piece under discussion, it could be used in that border area. Afghanistan is out of the question. hope this sheds some light." As I say, I would now settle for the description "a tilari style necklace, but most probably made in Himachal Pradesh" (which was Linda's first choice, and I agree on that as very likely). I told Linda as much, and have expressed my admiration for HG's eminently cautious letter. I am inclined to think that unless you find out more - probably by accident! - we have probably taken the matter as far as we can. I do wish (given my eyesight) that I had seen this clearer photo sooner, as it happens, for I would then have understood more easily Linda's points about the workmanship, which now does look very Indian (not, I think, Pakistani, as it is too fine for that, and I agree with HG it can't be from Afghanistan). The silver shows to great advantage in this image, and the work is VERY good. It's a fine and interesting piece, no doubt about that. Thank you for posting it, and I have learned a lot from Linda and Hannelore in the process.

Comments

Eva Baby January 28, 2012 at 8:49pm

someone will know, it's great! Love it! I just returned from a clinic, have been ill. but i am ok now.
Marie-Ange January 28, 2012 at 8:57pm

Hi Eva, so sorry to hear you were ill, saw you on FB with a tear in your eye and looked very sad, hope you will be fine again soon, speedy recovery ;)
Eva Baby January 28, 2012 at 10:33pm

@Thank you Marie-Ange, I have strong antibiotics and other stuff, it will help soon. The problem was, that normal doctors had closed.. so i had to go there. I have the medicaments, and will be fine again soon. Thank you.
Marie-Ange January 29, 2012 at 11:25am

@ Eva xxx
Linda Pastorino February 1, 2012 at 11:03pm

This photo is much clearer and can see the addition of the flowers on it as well as other work on the shafts of the tubing. I had seen these a long time ago they were coming out not so much now.

My links are not working on the emails anymore. just happened today , not sure why ... must be something with microsoft updating or one of the virus up dates it's very odd.
Eva Baby February 2, 2012 at 6:10am

it is really an unusual piece, love the middle part! Nice photo!"
Joost Daalder February 7, 2012 at 5:56pm

This photo is indeed much clearer, Marie-Ange, and makes it easier than before to judge the nature of the silver work. Linda has sent me a response from Hannelore Gabriel (noted expert on Nepal) dealing with the question whether this is Nepalese or from another place - if it is from elsewhere, then Linda and I can certainly agree on Himachal Pradesh. Reading HG, I would now conclude that it is a tilari style allright ("definitely", HG says), but that the workmanship is, as Linda maintained, very probably not from Nepal. I favour, in that case, Himachal Pradesh, because it is close to Nepal, and very fine work was made in both places. Mutual cultural influence is not surprising. I quote HG's very informative letter as emailed to me by Linda: "Very intriguing. I'd say it is not from Nepal, but I have proven myself wrong on many occasions. I have never seen a similar piece, but it definitely is some sort of variation or offspring of the Rajasthani wedding necklace, the style brought to Nepal with the Indian migrants during the Islamic invasion around the 12th century. Neither have I come across silver granulation in Nepal, and this work points more to Pakistan. My guess is the northern mountains of Pakistan or in the Himalayan areas in India. The style is definitely tilari, with seed beads and the red beads next to the center piece. Interesting is also the color choice of the seed beads. When I photographed my illustration 229 in the very western area of Nepal, I thought that the black beads make no sense in a wedding necklace. The black could be a protection against evil spirits. But since the colors match the piece under discussion, it could be used in that border area. Afghanistan is out of the question. hope this sheds some light." As I say, I would now settle for the description "a tilari style necklace, but most probably made in Himachal Pradesh" (which was Linda's first choice, and I agree on that as very likely). I told Linda as much, and have expressed my admiration for HG's eminently cautious letter. I am inclined to think that unless you find out more - probably by accident! - we have probably taken the matter as far as we can. I do wish (given my eyesight) that I had seen this clearer photo sooner, as it happens, for I would then have understood more easily Linda's points about the workmanship, which now does look very Indian (not, I think, Pakistani, as it is too fine for that, and I agree with HG it can't be from Afghanistan). The silver shows to great advantage in this image, and the work is VERY good. It's a fine and interesting piece, no doubt about that. Thank you for posting it, and I have learned a lot from Linda and Hannelore in the process.
Marie-Ange February 7, 2012 at 7:32pm

Thank you very much Joost, Linda and Hanelore for your expert opinion on my necklace, much appreaciated!!

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