Nepalese buckle, late 19th early 20th century

Height x width: 39 cm. Weight: 506.4 g.

made of silver-plated metal, composed of two elements that are joined at the back by means of an interlocking system. The surface is decorated with foliate and floral motifs, typical of the ornamental art of the Himalayan area. The central part of the clasp is oval in shape, highlighted by a decoration of concentric circles framing the main scene: two facing birds, probably symbolic, positioned opposite each other in a mirror-image position. Birds, recurrent elements in Nepalese and Tibetan art, may represent union, prosperity or spirituality, depending on the cultural and religious context. Similar buckles were often used to adorn women's belts in ceremonial or traditional costumes of the Himalayan ethnic groups, either as a functional element or as decorative jewellery.