Enquiry about object: 9599
Tibetan Woman’s Silver & Gold Head Ornament with Coral (Melong Pongu or Metok)
Derge and Chamdo, Eastern Tibet 19th-early 20th century
diameter: 4.9cm, depth: 2.2cm, weight: 28g
Provenance
private collection, Netherlands
This ornament of silver with a mid section of either gold or gilt which includes a box setting for a splendid, old coral cabochon, was worn on the front of the head by Tibetan women in the Derge and Chamdo areas (Clarke, 2004, p. 91).
The coral cabochon rises high above its mounts and is fixed into its setting with resin and via a silver pin through the middle of the coral.
The reverse of the ornament has a gilded loop which allowed the ornament to be fixed to the hair. Today it would allow the ornament to be worn as a pendant.
Known either as a melong pongu or metok, the form is based on a flower – perhaps a marigold – and is edged with pearled silver wire.
Similar examples are illustrated in Clarke (2004, p. 91) who says that on festival days, ladies might wear an additional one at the back of the head and that the two would be joined by a string of turquoise and silver beads.
The example here is in excellent condition.
References
Casey Singer, J., Gold Jewelry from Tibet and Nepal, Thames & Hudson, 1996.
Clarke, J., Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas, V&A Publications, 2004.
Geoffrey-Schneiter, B., Bijoux des Toits du Monde de la Chine au Caucase, Foundation Baur, Musee des Artes D’Extreme-Orient/5 Continents, 2012.
Ghose, M. (ed.), Vanishing Beauty: Asian Jewelry and Ritual Objects from the Barbara and David Kipper Collection, Art Institute of Chicago, 2016.
Seiwert, W.D., Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2009.
