Vintage Thai Nielloware Sterling Silver Enameled Charm Bracelet 6.75”

Note: the blue enameled panel is a darker blue than shown in photos.
 
This enameled sterling silver bracelet with tongue clasp, or box clasp, features nine octagon shaped panels with images of traditional Thai dancers, elephants, and boats on grey, blue, maroon, and lime green backgrounds. The colorful pieces have an enameled glaze that sets them apart from the others. On the back of one, we can just make out the words STERLING and MADE IN SIAM.
 
Nielloware is an artisan’s craft. In Thailand, designs are carved into silver and a black metallic alloy (niello) is laid down as powder or paste in the negative space, then baked to melt onto the silver, and polished smooth. An artisan  then adds color and other details by hand.
 
The mythological images on the panels come from the Ramayana, known in Thai as the Ramakien, a Hindu saga. You will see Mekhala, the goddess of lightning, holding a crystal ball that creates a flash of light in one hand to ward off an axe thrown at her by spurned suitor Ramasoon, the god of thunder. Hence, why lightning and thunder go together.
 
We believe this was purchased in Thailand at some time in the 1970s. Condition is vintage. The bracelet could use a polishing. The clasp fastens snugly and is not difficult to undo.
 
H 9/16” x C 6 3/4”
Approx 0.5 oz 
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know