This pair of old Tibetan "Akor" ear ornaments with their typical ends in the shape of stylized lotus buds is set with flat turquoise cabochons set in silver. The settings are intricately decorated with fine silver wires and applied silver spheres, giving them an exquisite texture and depth. The earrings show clear signs of age and wear and probably date from the 19th century or possibly even earlier.
The original handcrafted construction and the natural, untreated silver structure are clearly visible on the back. The earrings are also fitted with silver hooks for easy hanging. Unusual and extremely rare are the contemporary suspension cords still present on these pieces, each with a metal hook that can be hooked into a hole on the back.
As such ear pendants were often too massive or heavy to be worn directly on the ears, they were instead fastened into headdresses - close to the ears to create the impression of earrings. This practice was particularly common among aristocratic women, with the jewelry facing forward to show off the set stones.
This example is typical of the Lhasa style and comparable pieces are documented in the works of Casey Singer (1996, p. 126) and Clarke (2004, p. 73).
The earrings are in excellent condition with fully preserved old turquoise stones.
| age | Wrist circumference |
|
Newborn |
9 - 12 cm |
|
6 months - 3 years |
12 - 14 cm |
|
4 - 10 years |
14 - 15 cm |
|
Teenager, ladies (XS) |
15 - 16 cm |
|
Ladies (M) |
16 - 17 cm |
|
Ladies (XL) |
18 - 19 cm |
|
Men (M) |
18 - 20 cm |
|
Men (XL) |
21 - 22 cm |
| Ring size | Inner diameter | Inner circumference |
|
48 |
15,3 mm |
48 mm |
|
50 |
15.9 mm |
50 mm |
|
52 |
16.6 mm |
52 mm |
|
54 |
17.2 mm |
54 mm |
|
56 |
17.8 mm |
56 mm |
|
58 |
18.5 mm |
58 mm |
|
60 |
19.1 mm |
60 mm |
|
62 |
19.7 mm |
62 mm |
|
64 |
20.4 mm |
64 mm |
|
66 |
21.0 mm |
66 mm |
