Two gold necklaces Pyu, 9th - 11th century | 九至十一世紀 驃國 金珠項鍊一組兩串

Property from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection

Two gold necklaces

Pyu, 9th - 11th century

雪月藏亞洲藝術珍品

九至十一世紀 驃國 金珠項鍊一組兩串

The present lot includes two necklaces of graduated high-grade gold beads from Pyu, a group of trade-focused city-states that incidentally imported many cultural ideas from other countries in Southeast Asia. Symmetrically comprised of a series of beads of assorted designs, the necklaces give off a strong sense of rhythm that adds to the majesty of the jewelry.

Pyu beads demonstrate an exceptionally high level of goldsmithing technique. The filigree beads incorporate a range of intricate metalwork and granulation work that exemplifies the sophistication of Pyu craftsmanship. The artisans cleverly and dexterously build an additional cagework within a surrounding cage, as demonstrated in the largest beads of the necklaces. Other microscopic beads were also delicately produced in diverse and elaborate forms, such as polyhedral, spherical, pierced, and scrolled beads.

48 and 118.5 cm, 80.6 and 166.3 grams