Silver-gilt

Ind. no. 103: Part of a silver-gilt, filigree clasp. It has a curved outline and, in terms of its tulip-like shape, it resembles the central element of tripartite clasps. The openwork filigree surface, composed of very dense scrolls, is encrusted with domed rosettes, granules, and tiny lozenges, as well as a clear paste (glass stone), set at the top of a large rosette. The lower part of the object is framed by beaded wire, which also extends between the filigree scrolls at the upper part, thus surrounding the largest section of the filigree surface. A small piece of the object is missing.

From Istanbul. Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.3 cm.               

Ind. no. 123: Silver-gilt, triangular pendant of openwork filigree construction. Spiral patterns develop around a rosette in the center, and applied minute granules adorn the filigree surface. A ring is attached at the top of the triangle, while eight chains of unequal length hang from its base. One of the longer chains ends in a Turkish coin, while four other chains, short and long in pairs alike, terminate in similar leaf-shaped, filigree elements. The item comes from Macedonia.

Height: 17.5 cm.

Inv. no. 101: Silver-gilt poukla (buckle, clasp) consisting of three pieces. The outer two, horizontal pieces are paisley-shaped, while the central, vertical piece is oblong with a wavy outline. On all three parts, the applied filigree decoration forms large rosettes, nailed to the center and to the curved ends, as well as other smaller floral designs such as stems, leaves and flowers. The decoration is completed with applied granules, hemispheres and lozenges. On the back of each piece there are vertical bars for attaching the clasp to a belt. The central piece is joined to one outer piece. This type of clasp is well known in Greece (see Hatzimichali 1978, 75, fig. 64, Kaplani 1997, 119, no. 4118, Zora 1981 fig. 56, Mazarakis-Ainian and Iacovou 1995, 71).

Dimensions: Total length: 23 cm. Paisley-shaped pieces: 10.5 x 6.5 cm and 10 x 6.5 cm. Central piece: 9.5 x 5 cm.

C/2003/0148

Silver-gilt buckle/clasp of two convex discs with repoussé and chased decoration. A composition of leaves and flowers adorns the centre of each disc, while similar winding floral designs extend along the edge. Chased details and punched dots complete the relief decoration, enhancing the light and shade effect. The cast loop of the clasp is covered by a circular element with a serrated outline and a relief depiction of a smiling face with large eyes and wavy hair. This is obviously a representation of the sun. Cast elements of a scallop shell flanked by scrollwork in rococo style, are attached at the outer extreme of both discs. Two bars, of which one is wide with a curved outline and the other is narrow, are attached on the back side of each disc, for securing the clasp to a belt.

The clasp is likely imported. Round clasps with a similar but richer floral decoration, as well as with decorative cast elements at the periphery, are found in Greece (see, for example, Mazarakis-Ainian and Iakovou (eds.) 1995, 70, no. 53: silver clasp from the Peloponnese, and Zora 1981, 72, b). The integration of the human face in the representation of the sun is a very common theme in modern Greek folk art. It is encountered in clasps and other jewellery and it is considered protective against misfortune (see for ex., Korre 1978, 288, fig. 149-150, 354, fig. 281, 359, fig. 292).

Total length: 20 cm. Diameter: 7.5 cm.

Donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.

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).