Silver bracelet from Van

The photograph shows a silver bracelet made in the city of Van in Western Armenia, an example of 19th-century Armenian decorative art. The edges of the wide bracelet are decorated with twisted wire, and its surface with braided bands and flower-shaped ornaments set with small beads. A chain is visible at the side.

The delicate weaving and floral ornaments testify to the refined taste and technical skill of the craftsmen of Van. Such bracelets were an important part of women’s costume and were handed down from generation to generation as a family treasure.