Antique Tibetan belt with openwork silver plates

A striking antique Tibetan belt consisting of six curved silver plates, whose openwork vine patterns stand against red fabric—the vivid red shines through every opening and lends depth to the gray, patinated silver. The edges are extensively chased with fine line patterns, and the buckle features a circular swirl motif set within a wreath of spirals. Two of the plates are fitted with movable rings adorned with figurative animal heads, which in everyday Tibetan life were used to carry pouches, lighters, or knives.

The belt is made of leather and fabric and is adjustable via a prong buckle with multiple holes.

Provenance: Private collection of a family of Tibetan descent

Width 3.5 cm · Adjustable circumference 82–86 cm · Silver · Leather · Fabric · Tibet, antique