mother-of-pearl

Translator: 
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou
Petroula Hadjittofi
Author: 
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou
Description: 

C/2203/0161

 

Buckle/clasp of two almond-shaped mother-of-pearl plaques, each set in a silver frame of the same shape. The clasp is of the same type as no. C/2003/0151, with a similar representation of the two-headed eagle in a less sophisticated rendering. The decoration of the silver frame differs, namely in that it consists of a series of repoussé rosettes with chased details, bordering the inset mother-of-pearl panels. On the central clasp element, which covers the fastening, there is a pierced rosette adorned with a green stone and granules. It is surrounded by a row of smaller rosettes, and it is framed above and below by stylised floral designs with chased details. Two bars are soldered on the reverse side of each clasp element.

 

Total width: 21 cm. Height: 8 cm.

Donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.

Translator: 
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou
Petroula Hadjittofi
Author: 
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou
Description: 

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.

Translator: 
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou
Petroula Hadjittofi
Author: 
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou
Description: 

C/1989/172

 

Buckle/clasp of two almond-shaped mother-of-pearl plaques set in a frame of a sheet copper base and a serrated silver border. The outer pointed edge of the frame terminates in a small silver anthemion, soldered to the reverse side. Carved depictions adorn both plaques. One bears a relief representation of Saint George and the other of Saint Demetrius. Both saints are mounted on horseback and similarly dressed in military costume, with a halo around their heads. Saint George thrusts his spear into the dragon's open mouth, while Saint Demetrius pierces the neck of a defeated foe, whose blood gushes from the wound. The blood is rendered in red, as are other elements of the representations, while the eyes are rendered with black dots. The tail of the dragon terminates in an arrow. The defeated warrior wears a helmet and carries a sword. A floral design occupies the narrowing surface behind the saints. The fastening of the clasp is covered by a cast circular plaquette affixed to the loop, adorned with a blue stone in a frame of granules. The metal frame of the clasp is very simple, indicating the work of a Cypriot silversmithing workshop.  

 

Many mother-of-pearl clasps were brought to Cyprus from the Holy Lands, a significant number of which is preserved principally in the sacristies of monasteries, but also in museums and private collections (see a mother-of-pearl clasp with a similar frame in Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery: Egoumenidou 2002, 13, and clasps with a similar frame and without a frame: Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou 1996, 201, fig. 189-190). Their broad distribution is directly related to the varied geographical provenance of pilgrims to Jerusalem. Mother-of-pearl clasps worn as part of the traditional dress of Skyros, as well as others from Thessaly, are similar examples from areas of Greece (Lambrou 1994, 42, 47, fig. 45, 182, fig. 144-145, and Gourgioti 1996, 49-50, fig. 88-90).

 

Total width: 26 cm. Height: 9 cm.

Donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.