VINTAGE SIAM STERLING BRACELET NIELLOWARE Dancing Mermaids & Goddesses 33. 4g
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:7277844 | Jewelry Type: Bracelet |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: Thailand | Metal: Sterling Silver |
| Metal Purity: 925 |
VINTAGE SIAM STERLING NIELLOWARE Bracelet featuring beautifully detailed Dancing Mermaids & Goddesses. Solid craftsmanship with sturdy clasp. Total weight 33.5g of silver. Please ask all questions prior to bidding. All shipping done on the first Tuesday or Thursday following receipt of payment.
Q: What is Nielloware? A: Nielloware describes the charcoal-black and silver (or gold) items from Thailand, often marked "Siam / Sterling." Technically "Niello" or "Nielloware"..., the pieces are created by first engraving the silver design, then carving out "background" areas of the silver, filling these areas with a sulfur powder mixture (50% sulfur, with varying amounts of copper, silver, and lead), baking the piece at very high temperatures, smoothing and polishing the piece, and finally re-engraving the silver. Called "khruang thom" in Thailand, Nielloware has had a fascinating period of popularity, especially from the 1950's to 1970's. Although the Niello process has been utilized for hundreds of years (and was especially popular in the 13th and 15th centuries), only some pieces from Russia, India, Iran, Japan (and Siam sterling) are currently seen in antique shops and shows. Siam sterling pieces of other colors (including light and dark blue, green, red, pink, white and yellow) do not use the Niello process, but a less demanding enamelling procedure. Some Nielloware was produced using brass as the primary metal, including pins and flatware. Even at this late date, not much is known about these items -- quantities produced, age of individual pieces, or even how many varieties were created -- so there is still much research remaining to be performed in this area. It appears that about 20 manufacturers produced about 2500 Niello designs over about 65 years, with only some large specialty pieces (not designed for export) still being produced. These very rough estimates should improve in accuracy as more information is obtained.
Q: What is Nielloware? A: Nielloware describes the charcoal-black and silver (or gold) items from Thailand, often marked "Siam / Sterling." Technically "Niello" or "Nielloware"..., the pieces are created by first engraving the silver design, then carving out "background" areas of the silver, filling these areas with a sulfur powder mixture (50% sulfur, with varying amounts of copper, silver, and lead), baking the piece at very high temperatures, smoothing and polishing the piece, and finally re-engraving the silver. Called "khruang thom" in Thailand, Nielloware has had a fascinating period of popularity, especially from the 1950's to 1970's. Although the Niello process has been utilized for hundreds of years (and was especially popular in the 13th and 15th centuries), only some pieces from Russia, India, Iran, Japan (and Siam sterling) are currently seen in antique shops and shows. Siam sterling pieces of other colors (including light and dark blue, green, red, pink, white and yellow) do not use the Niello process, but a less demanding enamelling procedure. Some Nielloware was produced using brass as the primary metal, including pins and flatware. Even at this late date, not much is known about these items -- quantities produced, age of individual pieces, or even how many varieties were created -- so there is still much research remaining to be performed in this area. It appears that about 20 manufacturers produced about 2500 Niello designs over about 65 years, with only some large specialty pieces (not designed for export) still being produced. These very rough estimates should improve in accuracy as more information is obtained.
