Western Asiatic Carnelian Bead Necklace String

Each a hoop extending between two conical wound-wire bosses above a cluster of granules, carinated shank below with third cluster beneath; one loop replaced. 17.48 grams total, 26-27 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

Hemispherical in profile with broad foot, outer face with vertical streaks in brown, green and yellow; inner face with central ibex in profile with radiating flowers to the sidewall; some restoration; old Bonhams label affixed to the inside and two old labels to the exterior. 331 grams, 16 cm



Ex H.K. Monif, New York, USA. Acquired Bonhams, London, 5th December 2002(?), lot 151. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Constructed from gold sheet wrapped around a crescent-shaped core tapering towards the ends and over-wrapped with thin gold wire forming diagonal narrow bands; the body terminating in a wirework clasp with four small domed motifs surrounded by granulated circles and hinge pin between. 28.7 grams, 70.5 mm



From a private family collection formed in the 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12102-214104.

Seljuk metalwork with Islamic traditions was characterised by the use of geometric and plant motifs in order to fill blank spaces, a coherent combination of colours, and abstinence from using gold and silver. Decorative motifs in metal items in the Seljuk era are, therefore, mainly geometric plant figures, inscriptions, animal and fictional figures compatible with Islamic tradition, with the focus on plant figures and geometric elements like the one visible on our bracelet.