Northern Thai Silver Necklace

A necklace of large hollow silver beads, each formed as a double cone. Each bead is made of two conical sections joined at their widest point, the surface worked with fine linear hammering that follows the form. The beads are strung in sequence, separated by small spacer rings. Toward the back, two spherical beads with short collars flank a hook-and-ring closure. The silver carries a soft, worn surface, with the hammered lines still clearly visible.

Silver jewellery of this type from northern Thailand is built from repeated hollow forms rather than strung beads of other materials. The volume and surface of the silver carry the piece.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Thailand at a traditional jewellery market, 1995.

Title

Northern Thai Silver Necklace

Origin

Northern Thailand

Date

20th century

Dimensions

L 60 cm (23.6 in)

Medium

Silver

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Thailand at a traditional jewellery market, 1995.

Condition

Surface worn. Structure intact. Patina consistent and undisturbed.