A set of fine gold filigree necklace ornaments, Central Asia, late 13th/14th century

consisting of ten gold elements of boxed construction, the two larger lotiform elements with cusped edges decorated bilaterally in fine filigree work and granulation with scrolling designs centred on a coral inset, the two medium-sized elements with cusped edges with bilateral decoration of fine filigree work each face mounted with a coral bead, with two further lobed elements of rosette form each decorated with eight hemispherical nodules framed by fine twisted gold wire, with four oval elements decorated ensuite, modern bespoke leather box

All ten in general good condition, some knocks and minor filigree parts missing, oval beads possibly restored, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Fine gold filigree ornaments of this kind are exceptionally rare on the market. The present group relates to other gold filigree pieces in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, produced in the late thirteenth/early fourteenth century in Bulgar and other towns in the Middle Volga region of the southern Russian steppe. This distinctive group of luxury accoutrements is associated with the patronage of the Juchi Ulus, better known as the Golden Horde, whose initial destructive conquest and settlement of the area in the thirteenth century was followed in the mid- to long-term by demographic expansion and an upsurge in economic activity including increased production of luxury artefacts by jewellers and precious metalworkers. For related examples in the State Hermitage, see: The Treasures of the Golden Horde, Moscow, 2000, pp.119-123.