Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Old Punjabi Pakistani wedding chair hand-crafted of wood. The Chair is hand-painted in vibrant reds. Decorative painted spindles adorn the backrest and under panels of the arms. There is some minor fading of paint colour on legs and armrests and slight paint loss commensurate with age and use. 

This large dowry chest from 19th century from Nuristan (Afghanistan) is made of cedarwood. It is a unique piece of craftsmanship and Nuristan. The front panel can be opened, permitting a much more comfortable use than the access by the cover panel. Kafiristan, its name before Islamization, is a historical region that covered present-day Nuristan Province located on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush Mountains in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Nuristan was full of steep and wooded valleys. It was famous for its precise wood carvings, especially of cedar-wood pillars, carved doors, furniture such as dowry chests

A lovely original tea/coffee table from Punjab (Pakistan). A hand made probably walnut wood table, with some faded paint and finished with wax.

A lovely original tea/coffee table from Punjab (Pakistan). A hand made probably walnut wood table, with some faded paint and finished with wax.

This type of spiral reproduces an ancient shape of Greece culture

Nice clourfull Kuchi earring from Afghanistan.

A lovely beaded hat from Central Asia. Probably Kuchi or Turkmen from Afghanistan. The glass seed beads are sewn on to fabric in a circular manner. Metal decoration and metal and cotton dangles decorate the circumference. One glass cabochon is missing, see picture

A lovely beaded hat from Central Asia. Probably Kuchi or Turkmen from Afghanistan. Glass beads, metal coins and dangles a decorate the circumference.

Beautiful traditional earrings from Swat valley

Beautifull old earrings bought in Afghanistan but they have a strong Turkmen innfluence.

Silver finger ring set with an intaglio-carved carnelian. Unique et rare piece.

A chocker mounted on a strip of cotton with red blue and green glass inlets. Seiwert attributes a similar object to the Southeastern Pashtuns.

Gorgeous headpiece, its tribal origin is not known. Any information is wellcomed.

This colourful vintage Kuchi jewellery pendant is in its original condition. Nine coins with glass inlets, one.large and two smaller amulet boxes, An item to collect or individual elements could also be used for original jewellery design. The Kuchi's live a pastoral nomadic lifestyle across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

This is a vintage Kuchi headdress made with some form of tribal metal that has very low to no silver content and glass beads

This long hanging pectoral pendant was acquired in Eritrea in 1991. Rashaïda and Nubian women were these pectoral hangings. It comprises flat, engraved silver plates, and numerous dangles. There is a small loop at the top to allow suspension.

Maybe Kuchi, but now reference could be found in my reference books.

This is a vintage Kuchi necklace made with high grade silver and glass beads.

Silver box, platted gold, niello, pearls, paste, turquoises from Uzbekistan. There is a lid on top that can be opened to slip in Koranic verses and other items with amulet-like properties for protection.

A beautifully hinged bracelet with two triangular glass inlets (one is missing) The bracelet is in its original condition. A similar items figures in the American Museum of natural history under Catalog No: 70.2/ 6542

Afghan bracelet open-work, closing with a long pin. The bracelet is in its original condition.

Lovely and easy wearable bracelet most probably from Afghanistan

A beautifully hinged bracelet; a very fine silverwork, with five red stones. One of a kind. As with several jewels of this type, the origin is difficult to determine somewhere between Afghanistan and Rajasthan.

An ancient torque from Swat valley., despite its age the torque is in perfect condition, an unique piece for a collection.

Probably Rajasthan or Kuchi nomads

Beautiful and easy wearable cuff bracelet probably from northern Afghanistan

Pair of extraordinary cuff bracelet probably from northern Afghanistan or Turkmenistan. Beautiful patina, signs of prolonged use. It's rare to findt this type of cuffs as a pair.

Lovely large antique silver pendentif, origin not clearly defined, probably Kuchi. Left in its original condition; 3 dangles are missing, otherwise in good condition for its age.

A single cuff bracelet densely decorated with rows of applied diamond-shaped plaques. Both edges of each have been reinforced with ribbed tubing. The bracelet has a pin clasp opening. Rare for such bracelet, it still has the original pins (see pictures). Origin: Afghanistan / Pakistan border area and Rajasthan in India. The area along the ancient Silk Road trade route that provided influences from both East and West. These bracelets were offered at weddings, and their weight was a pledge of value . A perfect piece for collectors typical of traditional Indian jewellery. They can easily be put on and removed using a pin clasp.