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Roundel with Basilisks
Made at: Limoges (France)
French (Limoges)
Medieval
first half of 13th century
Object Place: Europe, Limoges, France
Medium/Technique
Champlevé enamel and gilding on copper
Dimensions
Overall (diameter): 93 mm (3/8 in.)
Credit Line
H. E. Bolles Fond
Accession Number47.1038
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsEnamels
DescriptionRound plaque with enameled border, gilded openwork center, and four attachment holes. Hammered, champlevé, engraved, repoussé, cut out, enameled, and gilded. Enamel colors are lapis blue, turquoise, white, and red. Two basilisks chased with scales, one on top of the other, bite each other's necks. On the border white enamel bands outline overlapping arches whose grounds are filled alternately with lapis blue and turquoise enamel. The smaller turquoise arches contain two engraved gilded leaves, while the larger lapis-blue arches surround engraved gilded palmettes with red enamel between the leaves.
ProvenanceAbout 1946/1947, Prince Anton Juritzky, Paris; sold by Juritzky to Adolph Loewi, Los Angeles; 1947, sold by Loewi to the MFA for $350. (Accession Date: May 8, 1947)