Enamel necklace, Multan (Pakistan)

Big necklace from Multan, Pakistan, made of high-grade silver and blue, yellow and orange enamel.

From mid-20th century.

Although such enamel jewelry was also made in some cities of Nothern India, it is clear that Multan was the main center. Usually, enamel is one color dark blue, but some elaborate pieces have more colors, such as this one. The value of this type of jewellery is determined by the quality of silver and the similarity of blue enamel to lapis lazuli.

Enamel technology used is champlevé, in which troughs or cells are carved, etched or cast into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel.

The necklacd is strung with tassels of glass beads and cotton.

Dimensions:

Length: 67 cm
Size of the pendants with dangles: 12,5 x 8,5 cm

Weight: 420 g

Literature:

“Schmuck in Afganisthan”, Janata, Alfred, Akademische Druck, 1981, p. 128
“Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 116
“De kracht van Zilver. Etnische sieraden uit de collectie smith hutschenruyter”, Mols, Luitgard, Wereld Museum, Rotterdam, 2011, p. 145