buckle/clasp

C/2003/0151   Silver-gilt buckle/clasp of two almond-shaped mother-of-pearl plaques, each set in a silver frame of a corresponding shape, with its edges turned prominently upwards. The broad border of each frame is richly adorned with relief/repoussé and chased floral designs, as is the central part of the clasp, the cast base of which is soldered onto the fastening loop. A pierced domed rosette set with a red stone, is nailed to the centre of the cast base, surrounded by tiny rosettes. Above and below are chased anthemia, while at the bottom part there are also two attached rings with three chains. Both mother-of-pearl plaques are carved with a crowned two-headed eagle. Its wings are outstretched and its body is covered in rows of scale patterns. The pointed edge of both plaques features a floral design. All silver elements are gilded, and the gold colour accentuates the shine of the white mother-of pearl panels. On the reverse side of the two outer elements of the clasp, there are two copper bars for securing it to a belt. The metal frame of the clasp is of exceptional craftmanship, comparable to similar examples from areas outside Cyprus (see Mazarakis-Ainian (eds.) 1993, 200, from Kavakli in eastern Thrace, Korre-Zografou 2000, 376, fig. 15, 380, fig. 36, and 383, fig. 35, clasps in the Collection of K. Notara, Athens, the first from Jerusalem and the other two from Thrace; see also Blagoeva 1997, 74, fig. 27, clasp of the same type, also with a double-headed eagle, from the region of Sophia).   Total width: 24.3 cm. Height: 9.5 cm. Donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.