gold

Fine bracelet comprised of articulated consecutive square elements filled with curvilinear motifs in filigree technique and inlaid enamel.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

Bracelet of fine craftsmanship, filigree and granulation. The clasp is covered by a rosette.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

Earrings

Gold earings with turquoise stones in the centre of hollow lozenge-shaped elements. From the bottom of each earing, extend five small stems which terminate in calyx-shaped holders with pearls.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

Earrings

Fine filigree earrings decorated with polychrome inlaid enamel. Five pearls are suspended from each earing. The upper part of the earrings pass through the wire hook, by means of which they are secured onto the ear; the bending end of the hook passes through the pierced ear lobe.     

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

Earings

Traditional silver-gilt earrings of Cypriot craftsmanship. They consist of two parts connected through two small intersecting rings. The upper part, which is attached onto the wire hook fastening, features three leaves in repoussé work with an inserted red stone (ruby?) at their base. The lower part consists of a hanging filigree drop from which small spherical filigree beads are suspended.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

Earings

Silver-gilt earrings of Cypriot craftsmanship. They consist of a double drop-shaped element, hanging from another element in the shape of a tied ribbon. The earrings are secured onto the ear by means of a wire hook fastening.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

A pair of traditional earrings, consisting of a hanging drop-shaped filigree element decorated with applied granules.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

European-style elaborate golden brooch with precious stones. It comprises a central spherical element from which spread stems with leaves and fruits, all decorated with pearls.

Collection E. Mantovani-Astgian

 Silver-gilt pendant comprising a chain of spherical filigree beads (toutounia), and a filigree cross. The arms of the cross consist of four drop-shaped elements, soldered to a central rosette-shaped part, with a blue/turquoise stone in the middle. Red beads are affixed at the angles between the drop-shaped elements. The fourth element is connected, through a ring, to the chain, actually to a large spherical filigree bead in the middle of the chain, which consists of a series of smaller filigree beads (toutounia).

Collection E. Mantovani – Astgian

Inv. No. EA 1885: Silver-gilt earrings, of a solid cast heart and a hanging filigree drop with a tiny suspended toutouni (spherical filigree bead). The earrings are secured onto the ear by means of a wire hook fastening. The bottom of the hook is affixed to the lower end of the heart, while its opposite, bending end passes through the pierced ear lobe and locks into a small hole at the top of the heart. The filigree drop passes through the hook and hangs from the base of the fastening. Length: 5,7 cm. Published in: Hadjimichali 1983, 397m fig. 426; Ελληνικά Κοσμήματα (Greek Jewels) 1999, fig. 286.

This type of earrings is quite common, and there are many variants in terms of its upper element, which is often a tiny rosette (for similar examples see Pieridou 1980, table LIVb, d; Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou 1996, 192-93).

Inv. No. EA 1884: Silver-gilt pendant comprising a chain of spherical filigree beads (toutounia), and a filigree cross. The boards of the cross consist of four drop-shaped elements, like those of the earrings Inv. No. EA 1885, soldered to a central rosette-shaped part, with a blue stone in the middle. Red beads are affixed at the angles between the drop-shaped elements, three of which have tiny wire beads hanging from their ends. The fourth element is connected, through a ring, to the chain, which consists of 19 toutounia alternating with coral-coloured beads. Dimensions of the cross: 7x6,5 cm. Length of chain: 32,5 cm. Publications: Hadjimichali 1983, 397, fig. 426. Ελληνικά Κοσμήματα (Greek Jewels) 1999, fig. 286.

The cross with the toutounia is one of the most characteristic types of traditional Cypriot jewellery. Several examples are preserved in museums and private collections (see i.e. Tarsouli 1955, table 19 opposite p. 216; Pieridou 1980, table LVd; Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou 1996, 199 figs. 183, 184 · The Cypriot Costumes 1999, 180 figs. 183b; Mazarakis-Ainian - Iakovou 1995, 26; Papademetriou 2000, 72).