Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Beautiful Tibetan Beaded Collar Breastplate, decorated with dark red glass beads, cowry shells and a central element with fragments of semi-precious stones. 

A small antique Tibetan Gau Amulet Box, traditional among all Buddhist groups of Tibet, while the oval domed front is of silver, engraved Tibetan motifs and the back section is made of copper. The red centrepiece has a carnelian?? bead. The box is in perfect condition and still closed, and it hasn't been opened, so we dont know its content.

Beautiful Tibetan beaded collar, decorated with dark red glass beads, and metals dangles .

A necklace with small tubular red and large white glass beads.

Formed by phallic or bullet shaped pieces of bone set into metal bezels that are strung together in a neckband or collar. These collars are believed to contain a strong apotropaic magic power to turn away harm, prevent evil spirits rising to the head, or averting the evil eye. Worn by Tharu tribes women in the Nepalese lowlands (karnali region).

Formed by phallic or bullet shaped pieces of bone set into metal bezels that are strung together in a neckband or collar. These collars are believed to contain a strong apotropaic magic power to turn away harm, prevent evil spirits rising to the head, or averting the evil eye. Worn by Tharu tribes women in the Nepalese lowlands (karnali region). The necklace has a small silver box  in the center.

Formed by phallic or bullet shaped pieces of bone set into metal bezels that are strung together in a neckband or collar. These collars are believed to contain a strong apotropaic magic power to turn away harm, prevent evil spirits rising to the head, or averting the evil eye. Worn by Tharu tribes women in the Nepalese lowlands (karnali region).

Cuff bracelet in white metal alloy and with a row of sturdy points, worn by women of different hill tribes.

Old Kalli annklet from Nepal. These heavy anklets are now out of fashion, they used to be worn by married women until the birth of their first child. The anklet ends with two large lotus buds; the hoops are stylised dragon bodies with pointy, leaf-like scales. Following Hindu tradition jewellery below the waist can not be made of gold, the sacred metal.

Heavy, plain silver bracelet with small light blue glass beads.

Silver bracelet with flower decoration and small red, green and blue glass inlets. Some damage due to prolonged and intensive wearing (see picture).

Formed by phallic or bullet shaped pieces of bone set into metal bezels that are strung together in a neckband or collar. These collars are believed to contain a strong apotropaic magic power to turn away harm, prevent evil spirits rising to the head, or averting the evil eye. Worn by Tharu tribes women in the Nepalese lowlands (karnali region).

This lovely necklaces are worn by the Rana Tharu of South Western Nepal. A multitude of repeated metal elements are strung on a clourful cotton string. Necklaces are made using metal alloy spiked beads that are strung together on twisted cotton strands. The necklace is artfully made so that it lays perfectly around the neck. In addition ten old indian 1 or 2 repee coins, only one date (1946) can still be read.   

This lovely Kanthshri Necklace worn by the Rana Tharu of South Western Nepal. A multitude of repeated metal elements are strung on a clourful cotton string. On each end are two terminals ends of flattened conical plaque form. The necklace is artfully made so that it lays perfectly around the neck. In addition ten old indian 1 or 2 repee coins, only one date (1946) can still be read. Similar necklaces arefound in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in India.

Small ga'u amulet box with turquoise cabochon. Silver front and copper back.

Antique Tibetan silver earring with coral and turquoise inlay. They were placed on each side of the face hiding both ears, either attached with small hooks to the headdress or hanging with a thread over the head. Worn in the Chamdo region of East Tibet and also in central Tibet by men and women.

These rosaries are worn on the left wrist and serve to say the long Buddhist mantras.

These rosaries are worn on the left wrist and serve to say the long Buddhist mantras. The three beads on the bottom refers to the Buddhist trinity.

Very nice rosary with creamy coloured ivory?, tuqoise and coral imitation beads. These rosaries are worn on the left wrist and serve to say the long Buddhist mantras.

Nice small necklace with nice old beads, probably ivory.

Nice necklace from Tibet, ready to wear.

Beautiful tibetan necklace ready to wear, with real coral and gems beads.

Very colourful tibetan necklace, with imitation of coral and turquoise beads. This type of necklace is very common nowadays in Tibet, since real coral and turquoise has become too expensive.

Hanging from the belt on a leather strap, this is commonly known as a milking hook. This was an essential item of ornamentation for any Tibetan woman properly dressed for a festival. As with most Tibetan cultural and antique items these ceremonial hooks have become hard to obtain.

A kartika is a symbolic crescent  knife or ‘chopper’, used in Vajrayana Buddhist ceremonies.

Tibetan pendant some missing parts, see picture, needs to be repaired.

A rare example of a Tibetan earring?  Possible other use, we are glad for any complementary information about this object.

Small silver pendantwith red and blue glass beads. Forms a pair with 04.02.1263

A fine antique Tibetan eight prong bronze Vajra. The bronze of a mellow golden tone, wear commensurate with years of ritual use.