clasp

Ind. No. 100: Gilded, filigree clasp, composed of three elements: two large, almond-shaped panels, and a smaller, round piece in the center. The almond-shaped panels comprise two rows οf dense, openwork filigree scrolls around a central, almond-shaped element of sheet silver with applied filigree enamel and a red paste (glass stone) set in the centre. The filigree surface is adorned with rows of applied elements: pastes of various colours (red, green and clear), alternating with domed rosettes bearing filigree enamel. The latter are affixed onto the filigree surface with wire. A short strip of open filigree scrolls, decorated with alternating rosettes and pastes, extends along the top edge of the almond-shaped elements. A border of granules extends along its top edge, and a filigree spherical bead adorns its tip. The central, round element of the clasp is also adorned with filigree enamel, as well as with a red stone set at its centre. The fastening element is cast. This elaborate type of Cypriot clasp is described in 18th-early 19th-century ecclesiastical records as: “pair of almond-shaped filigree clasps with enamel and stones.” Variants of the same type are also found in Cyprus (see Papadimitriou 1996, 61, fig. 79, and Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou 1996, 228). A similar clasp is preserved in the Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa, in Paphos, and in the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia (Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou and Loizou-Hadjigavriel 2003, 54-55, with further bibliography; see also Ohnefalsch-Richter (1913) 1994, pl. 61: 9, 18th / 19th century). It belonged to Loukis Pierides. Dimensions: Total length: 27cm. Almond-shaped elements: length: 14.5 cm, width: 9.2 cm. Round element diameter: 3.3 cm.