Pectoral decoration

Description

Pectoral decoration is a traditional chest ornament worn by Kazakh women. This intricate piece consists of three hollow metal plates, each filled with mastic, giving the structure durability and a voluminous shape.
The top two plates are rectangular in shape and are decorated with traditional patterns and glass inlays in red and black that reflect light. Hanging from the central plate are chains composed of four-sided spherical elements, enhancing the ornament’s shine and movement.
The lower plate is adorned with elements in the shape of leaves and spheres. All plates feature two-level ornamental designs, also embedded with colorful glass pieces. The decorative motifs are traditional geometric patterns, bordered using the granulation (grain) technique. The front surfaces and contours of the plates are decorated using the filigree technique known as “scan” (delicate metal wirework). Triangular granulation motifs are placed in the empty spaces.

Datе: last quarter of the 19th c.
Materials: silver
Dimensions: 11,5 х 8,5 cm