ANTIQUE OTTOMAN ARMENIAN SILVER KIRDAN NECKLACE (REGION OF À SCHILTIGHEIM

Very Rare 19th century Armenian Silver Kirdan Necklace from the ottoman Armenian province of Van (Armenian historical region of Vaspurakan). Museum quality. The necklace is in three layers: the top layer has repousse elements that resemble a dragon or a serpent head threaded on a mesh fabric. The middle plaque has enamel and garnet colored jewels. The middle layer has a second repousse element with bulbs on either side. The final layer is a series of repousse boteh shaped dangles. In the middle of the necklace is a large round medallion also worked in repousse depicting St. George (St Kevork) slaying the dragon. Length is 69 cm. The central medallion measures 5 cm across. Weight is 87 g.