Turkmen Asyk Cordiform Heart Shape Antique Pendant with Dagdan Protective Birds-02


$ 12,500.00
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  • Turkmen Asyk Cordiform Heart Shape Antique Pendant with Dagdan Protective Birds-02
  • Fine Tribal Antique circa Early to Mid 20th Century.
  • Perfect Original Unpolished Condition in Museum Quality.
  • The Pendants have been tested for Metal Purity and reveal Pure Silver Ag content of 94.45%. The fire gilded Gold Au content tested at 94.31% Pure Gold. Test Records are available upon purchase.
  • Please notice the photographs featuring the back of this fine Asyk Pendant. The delicate etching and detail expressed by the artist who created this Masterwork went much further than his commission, by creating a second breathtaking artwork on the back of this pendant. A Pair of Protective Dagdan Birds rest atop a 2nd Symbolic etched Asyk Cordiform Pendant.
  • The Dagdan refer to a Pair of Birds, venerated in Islamic Art as protective, and are often seen on amulets that ward off Evil Spirits and Intentions.
  • Approx. 14" tall x 9 1/4" wide, 16 3/4" tall with the base.
  • Significant in size and weight, traditional Turkmen jewelry objects were made of fine silver, decorated with semi-precious stones, and sometimes gilded with near pure gold for an added color effect and increased value.
  • In addition to the protective benefits of the fine silver metal itself, the semi-precious stones that embellish the jewelry are also imbued with protective powers. Cabochons of Carnelian, a rich red colored Agate stone, are popular because they are believed to protect the wearers from illness and death. Carnelian is also believed to promote strong, healthy blood and ease in childbirth. Turquoise is less commonly used among the Turkmen, but serves as a symbol of purity and chastity. In some cases, less expensive glass beads of the same colors are used instead of semi-precious stones.
  • Collected in Afghanistan in the 1960's by a renowned Afghani Family dealing in Traditional Afghan Arts and Treasures. Purchased by Beads of Paradise NYC in 2017.
  • COLLECTOR'S NOTE: I was drawn to this extravagantly beautiful Asyk Pendant by it's sheer quality and visual delicacy. My own heart and soul were deeply moved when I turned the piece over and saw the magnificent etching of the Dagdan Protective Birds resting atop a Symbolic 2nd Asyk. Later, when the Silver Content revealed the piece was 94.45 Pure Silver, I could only imagine the love inspired by the woman for whom the pendant was originally commissioned. The original cost of the Silver as well as the fine work of an extraordinary Artist would have been enormous, even in the late 19th to Early 20th century when the piece was created.