Lot 163: A NIELLO SILVER AND METALLIC THREAD BELT, OTTOMAN CAUCASIAN, 19TH CENTURY

This belt is composed of a wide woven band of metallic-wrapped thread backed with a black fabric lining. The central feature is a large trilobed silver buckle decorated with intricate niello scrolling foliate and arabesque patterns against a stippled ground. A miniature curved dagger, resembling a Caucasian kindjal, is mounted diagonally across the face of the buckle, which also includes a small silver safety chain. The length of the belt is embellished with several silver-colored metal appliques, including two circular medallions featuring a pierced and engraved crescent moon encircling a six-pointed star, vertical shaped bars with scrolling niello decoration, and small rounded studs with niello accents. The construction utilizes hand-engraving, punch-work, and niello inlay techniques characteristic of the Caucasus region and the broader Ottoman Empire. 

Diameter: 40cm