Antique rare Libyan bracelet Nabila Tripoli Late Ottoman - Silver gilt - Libya - Early 20th century
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€ 120
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Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
 | €120 | |
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 | €110 | |
| €100 | |
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Antique Libyan Nabila bracelet from Tripoli of the Late Ottoman period, circa 1880–1910, in gold-plated silver with original/official authenticity, Libyan origin, early 20th century, dimensions 7 cm height, 6 cm inner diameter, weight about 190 g, excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Antique and original Libyan Nabila bracelet in fire-gilt silver, made in Tripoli during the late Ottoman period (c. 1880–1910).
The Nabila represents one of the most iconic forms of Libyan traditional jewelry.
These bracelets formed a fundamental element of the female bridal dowry (traditional in Ghadames).
It features refined pierced and chased work carried out entirely by hand. The design is dominated by the characteristic radiant sun motif, a symbol associated with protection, prosperity, and the good fortune of the bride.
In Libyan jewelry, openwork was particularly valued because it allowed the skin or the colored fabrics worn beneath the jewelry to create a strong visual contrast with the surface.
The bracelet still preserves its original fire-gilding, a feature today extremely rare among surviving pieces from this period. In late Ottoman Libya, gilding was generally reserved for jewelry destined for wealthier urban families, distinguishing them from the plainer silver ornaments more commonly found in rural and tribal communities.
The bracelet bears the Tripoli control mark (Sah mark), with the distinctive stamp inside a rectangle featuring a crowned coat of arms and a ship. There are also additional marks from the silversmith’s workshop, impressed before presentation to the assay office. The silver is fineness 900.
Beside the hallmarks there are also the characteristic serrated assay marks (Tremolierstich) applied for sampling metal to be tested, evidence of the precious metals control system in use in Ottoman Tripoli.
Dimensions:
Height: 7 cm
Internal diameter: 6 cm
Weight each: approx. 190 g
Condition: excellent - original pins
An extraordinary museum-quality specimen of Libyan ethnographic art.
Photos are part of the description
Shipped with traceable courier
Antique and original Libyan Nabila bracelet in fire-gilt silver, made in Tripoli during the late Ottoman period (c. 1880–1910).
The Nabila represents one of the most iconic forms of Libyan traditional jewelry.
These bracelets formed a fundamental element of the female bridal dowry (traditional in Ghadames).
It features refined pierced and chased work carried out entirely by hand. The design is dominated by the characteristic radiant sun motif, a symbol associated with protection, prosperity, and the good fortune of the bride.
In Libyan jewelry, openwork was particularly valued because it allowed the skin or the colored fabrics worn beneath the jewelry to create a strong visual contrast with the surface.
The bracelet still preserves its original fire-gilding, a feature today extremely rare among surviving pieces from this period. In late Ottoman Libya, gilding was generally reserved for jewelry destined for wealthier urban families, distinguishing them from the plainer silver ornaments more commonly found in rural and tribal communities.
The bracelet bears the Tripoli control mark (Sah mark), with the distinctive stamp inside a rectangle featuring a crowned coat of arms and a ship. There are also additional marks from the silversmith’s workshop, impressed before presentation to the assay office. The silver is fineness 900.
Beside the hallmarks there are also the characteristic serrated assay marks (Tremolierstich) applied for sampling metal to be tested, evidence of the precious metals control system in use in Ottoman Tripoli.
Dimensions:
Height: 7 cm
Internal diameter: 6 cm
Weight each: approx. 190 g
Condition: excellent - original pins
An extraordinary museum-quality specimen of Libyan ethnographic art.
Photos are part of the description
Shipped with traceable courier
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Early 20th century
Country of Origin
Libya
Material
Silver gilt
Title of artwork
Antique rare Libyan bracelet Nabila Tripoli Late Ottoman
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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