Bead-Pendant with Hot Enamel Champlevee,
Pakistan, Multan, 19th - first half of 20th century
Newly polished.
Silver-Copper alloy (Silver is about 50%), Hot Enamel Champlevee
Size with dangles - 45/15 mm. (1,8/0,6 ")
Weight of all - 8 g (0,3 Oz)
Price is for 2 pendants
Apparently, the enamel on the pendants was burned in an archaic way in one firing, after which the excess enamel was cut down to expose all the partitions. Secondary firing to obtain a glossy surface of the cut enamel was not performed, the enamel surface has roughness and pores.
The traditions of enamelling ("Minakari" or "Meenkari") developed in the province of Multan in 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.