FANTASTIC TIBETAN SILVER BELT

29 3/4”, the front comprised of eleven handcrafted segments. The central (buckle) of two high relief foliate tiers supporting a centrally mounted turquoise. The four flanking segments each depict in high relief a mythological beast of Buddhist inspiration on foliate ground, each with a pelleted border. The outside segments of foliate demi-arabesques. Each segment of jewelry quality is constructed as a thin hollow body with a beaded edge and central hole to the back to allow for gas relief in construction as they are made by fusion (welding) of the silver, extraordinary without the benefit of torches! The next pair transitioned to the intricately braided silver wire belt. The back with five foliage relief decorated mounts and five plain bands, all of silver. Beautiful works of art survive in museums and elsewhere. For most, the skills needed for their creation are self-evident. This example of Tibetan silver work demonstrates extraordinary skill with the subtlety of Buddhist philosophy, belying the complexity of the process.