Koma

RARE: This pair of silver (tested 80% approx.) 10kt gilt Buddhist Symbols Bhutanese dress or cloak fasteners with inset of 5 small turquoise stones in each, known as koma.

The openwork design features superimposed square layered on the diagonal. Contrasting overlay gilt decorated the top – some has now worn off.  On the reverse of each koma is soldered a metal bar tapered to points which bend inwards to form a fastening device.  Also attached on the reverse of each koma is a small ring for the addition of the chain or japtha. The backs of the koma brooches tested as mixed metal alloy.  The chain is made up of cast double Dorje symbol units (a double dorje, or vishvavajra, are two dorjes connected to form crossed dorjes. It stands for the stability or foundation of the physical world).  It has a beautiful silver Knot of Eternity inset with a turquoise stone on each side at the center back of the chain.  There are the eight Glorious Emblems, sacred Buddhist auspicious symbols incorporated in the design pattern at each of the four points in the square.

It is very rare to find this type of Koma and this one is 60 years old.