buckle/clasp

C/2003/0147   Silver buckle/clasp of two oval-shaped pieces with a scalloped outline, joined with a cast hook that passes through a corresponding loop. The outer end of each half has an additional element of an anthemion flanked by a foliate scroll motif, which extends roughly to the middle of the top and bottom sides, following their curvilinear contour. Floral designs, including garlands with leaves and flowers, also extend internally along the edge of each clasp piece, forming a wide band around the central motif, namely the winged lion of Venice, a symbol of Saint Mark. The front-facing animal has its wings open and one of its front legs raised. A rich mane, surrounded by a halo, frames its face, which is distinguished by its almost human features and especially the wide-open eyes. The tufted tail is turned upwards and the taloned toes are outspread. The ancient theme of the winged lion was revived and became particularly widespread during and after the period of Venetian rule. It remained popular in the Early Modern period, both in religious iconography and in various categories of folk art, especially in architectural stone carvings (e.g., in the carved plaque at the entrance of The House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios in Nicosia). The same motif is depicted on traditional silverware, for example in the centre of trays, but is rarely found on clasps. The lion’s front facing representation, with its piercing gaze directed towards the viewer, is reminiscent of the apotropaic heads/masks that are frequently encountered in clasps from Greece and its wider region (for the head as an apotropaic theme in modern Greek folk art, see Korre 1978). In this particular example, the high-relief decoration of the floral designs and the winged lion is worked in repoussé, with engraved and chased details. On the reverse side, there is a bar on each part of the clasp, for securing it to a belt.   Total length: 30 cm. Height: 10 cm. Donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.