Old Multan Meenkari Enamel Tribal Pendant,
Pakistan (Multan province) 19th - first half of the 20th century
Silver-Copper alloy (Silver is about 50%), Hot Enamel Champlevee.
The pendant is cleaned from strong patina.
Size - 100/110 mm. (4/4,4 ")
Weight - 120 g (4,2 Oz)
The traditions of enamelling ("Minakari" or "Meenkari") developed in Multan (the South-West of Pakistan) from the 19th to mid 20th century (after the separation of Pakistan from India's traditional enamel declined). In Pakistan, the enamel is penetrated apparently from India in the late 18th century.
This pendant has long been used as part of the stake, the original enamel is almost lost and restored again.
The pendant is decorated with traditional ornament with floral and geometric motifs. This is probably part of a traditional necklace of three or more pieces in the form of rectangular plates.
Hallmarked - On the reverse side is the mark of the master in Arabic letters - نزارم (?).