Waist Ornament
late 19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This ornament was worn on special occasions by noblewomen in Lhasa. It hung at the back of the body at waist level. The central motif of the upper central plaque is the 'Wish Fulfilling Jewel', a magical gem believed to grant all worldly and spiritual wishes. Each link of the chains is in the form of a dorje or 'thunderbolt sceptre' signifying the enlightened mind.
Object details
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Silver, silver-gilt,turquoise and precious stones-rubies and sapphires. |
| Brief description | Jewellery, silver turquoise, gilt, Tibet, C19 stone; Jewellery, turquoise, Tibet, C18 grotesque tiger faces; Jewellery, silver turquoise, gilt, Tibet, C18 |
| Physical description | Sets of parallel silver chains linking two central plaques covered with turquoise and precious stones. The upper plaque is decorated with a representation of the "Wish Fulfilling Jewel", or yid zhin norbu, here shown by a setting of three turquoises and a green beryl. Each of the multiple chain links are in the form of miniature dorjes or 'diamond sceptres'. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Purchased from Imre Schwaiger, Esq. |
| Object history | Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq., 39, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project. R.P. 1914-2839M and R.P. 1913-2907M |
| Summary | This ornament was worn on special occasions by noblewomen in Lhasa. It hung at the back of the body at waist level. The central motif of the upper central plaque is the 'Wish Fulfilling Jewel', a magical gem believed to grant all worldly and spiritual wishes. Each link of the chains is in the form of a dorje or 'thunderbolt sceptre' signifying the enlightened mind. |
| Bibliographic reference | John Clarke: Jewellery of Tibet and Himalayas, V&A Publications
ISBN 1 85177 4238, 2004, page77, no.60. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.385:1, 2, A-1914 |
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| Record created | January 28, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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