An old, magnificent ‘amber necklace’ from Morocco. The 43 amber beads have been threaded onto an (old) woollen thread according to their size. They are separated by discs made of red wool, leather or black wood. Around the middle, on both sides of the necklace the sequence of the amber beads is interrupted by a large round silver bead, attached to which is a braided string of red and green wool. Both ends of this ‘amber necklace’ consist of a green stone bead as well as a long bead in the shape of a double cone, crafted from very high quality silver. The red wool used to thread the necklace protrudes from the silver beads and each end is fastened with a knot. The knot is enlarged with multiple strings and tassels. These strings and tassels are used to tie the necklace around the neck of the wearer. It is a very rare, extraordinary and valuable piece with no significant damage.
Length: c. 70 cm (the chain closed in two strings, with the end tassels).
First third of the 20th century.

Provenance:
According to information supplied by the consigner, acquired by her at the souk (bazaar) of Fez in Morocco in the 1960s. Since then: Viennese private collection. (ME)