Silver - Pendant
06
days
12
hours
50
minutes
22
seconds
Current bid
€ 3
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 2,800 - € 3,100
 | €3 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €2 | |
 | €1 |
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Antique Turkmen silver asyk pendant, fire-gilt and set with four carnelian cabochons, from the Teke tribe in Turkmenistan (Central Asia), dating to circa 1850–1900; weight 410.35 g, designed for women.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Antique Turkmen Silver Asyk Pendant — Fire-Gilt, Set with Carnelians, Teke Tribe, 19th Century (c. 1850–1900)
This is a traditional women’s ornament from the nomadic Turkmen peoples of Central Asia, most closely associated with the Teke tribe, known as an “asyk” (also referred to as “aşık” or “guljaka” in some sources). Asyks were presented to the bride by the groom’s family as part of the wedding ceremony, worn as a heart-shaped pendant joining the bride’s two braids, either on the back or across the chest. According to tradition, the asyk served as a fertility talisman and protection against the evil eye, worn by the woman until the birth of her first child — particularly her first son.
The piece is worked in hammered silver using the fire-gilding (mercury-gilding) technique, in which a gold-mercury amalgam is applied to the silver surface and heated, evaporating the mercury and leaving behind a thin, durable layer of gold — a technique characteristic of 19th-century Turkmen silversmithing. The ground is hand-engraved with traditional Turkmen scrollwork and star motifs. The borders are finished with fine twisted-wire trim, framed top and bottom by decorative cord-like edging. The piece is set with four cabochon-cut carnelians in a symmetrical arrangement — one at the center and one on each side.
Weight: 410 grams
Dimensions: [height: 23cm width: 16cm
Materials: Silver, gold-gilt, carnelian
Origin: Central Asia, Turkmenistan (Teke tribe) or Turkmen communities in Afghanistan
Period: c. 1850–1900 (mid-to-late 19th century)
Condition: [add honest condition notes here — any scratches, wear, or losses]
Pendants of this type reflect the craftsmanship of nomadic silversmiths of the period, combining aesthetic and symbolic value; as each was hand-made, patterns and stone placement vary piece to piece, making every example unique.
Seller's Story
We are a family-run business with over 50 years of experience in the art and antiques trade. Over the decades, we have built a strong network that allows us to source unique and authentic pieces from all around the world.
Our collection focuses primarily on Islamic art and European antiques, where we have developed deep expertise. We carefully select each item, ensuring quality, authenticity, and historical value. Many of our pieces are sourced from private collections, estate sales, and long-established dealers across different countries.
We are passionate about preserving history and offering collectors rare and meaningful objects. Whether it is a finely crafted Islamic artifact or a distinctive European decorative piece, we take pride in presenting items that carry both cultural and artistic significance.
Customer trust and satisfaction are at the core of our business, and we strive to provide accurate descriptions and a transparent buying experience
Antique Turkmen Silver Asyk Pendant — Fire-Gilt, Set with Carnelians, Teke Tribe, 19th Century (c. 1850–1900)
This is a traditional women’s ornament from the nomadic Turkmen peoples of Central Asia, most closely associated with the Teke tribe, known as an “asyk” (also referred to as “aşık” or “guljaka” in some sources). Asyks were presented to the bride by the groom’s family as part of the wedding ceremony, worn as a heart-shaped pendant joining the bride’s two braids, either on the back or across the chest. According to tradition, the asyk served as a fertility talisman and protection against the evil eye, worn by the woman until the birth of her first child — particularly her first son.
The piece is worked in hammered silver using the fire-gilding (mercury-gilding) technique, in which a gold-mercury amalgam is applied to the silver surface and heated, evaporating the mercury and leaving behind a thin, durable layer of gold — a technique characteristic of 19th-century Turkmen silversmithing. The ground is hand-engraved with traditional Turkmen scrollwork and star motifs. The borders are finished with fine twisted-wire trim, framed top and bottom by decorative cord-like edging. The piece is set with four cabochon-cut carnelians in a symmetrical arrangement — one at the center and one on each side.
Weight: 410 grams
Dimensions: [height: 23cm width: 16cm
Materials: Silver, gold-gilt, carnelian
Origin: Central Asia, Turkmenistan (Teke tribe) or Turkmen communities in Afghanistan
Period: c. 1850–1900 (mid-to-late 19th century)
Condition: [add honest condition notes here — any scratches, wear, or losses]
Pendants of this type reflect the craftsmanship of nomadic silversmiths of the period, combining aesthetic and symbolic value; as each was hand-made, patterns and stone placement vary piece to piece, making every example unique.
Seller's Story
We are a family-run business with over 50 years of experience in the art and antiques trade. Over the decades, we have built a strong network that allows us to source unique and authentic pieces from all around the world.
Our collection focuses primarily on Islamic art and European antiques, where we have developed deep expertise. We carefully select each item, ensuring quality, authenticity, and historical value. Many of our pieces are sourced from private collections, estate sales, and long-established dealers across different countries.
We are passionate about preserving history and offering collectors rare and meaningful objects. Whether it is a finely crafted Islamic artifact or a distinctive European decorative piece, we take pride in presenting items that carry both cultural and artistic significance.
Customer trust and satisfaction are at the core of our business, and we strive to provide accurate descriptions and a transparent buying experience
Details
Era
1400-1900
Laboratory report
No laboratory report
Estimated period
1850-1900
Metal
Silver
Brand jewellery
No
Total weight
410.35 g
Condition
Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear
Gender
Women
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