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Bracelet with niello decoration
Byzantium
Byzantine
11th–12th century
Medium/Technique
Silver (93.5% silver, 4.7% copper, 1.1% gold, .7% lead) with niello decoration
Dimensions
Overall: 3.7 cm (1 7/16in.)
Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4in.)
Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4in.)
Credit Line
Frederick Brown Fund
Accession Number59.720
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Bracelets and armlets
Metalwork
Metalwork
DescriptionThe bracelet consists of two semicircular segments joined with a hinge on one end and the clasp on the other and the rolled edges. Each segment has a frame with continuous abstract vegetal scroll enhanced with niello around a long panel with four interconnected roundels filled with two pairs of confronted lions and griffins respectively. This decoration is done in repoussé.
Other observations:
Two semicircular pieces of silver with rolled edges and wide loops at the ends for clasp and hinge, the latter closed with a silver pin. Hammered, repoussé (from the back and sharpened from the front), engraved, and inlaid with niello. On each piece are four continuous medallions joined by twisted knots and filled with beasts arranged in pairs as mirror images: griffins on one half and lions with tails wrapped around their bodies on the other. The tails of both animals terminate in protrusions resembling half-palmettes. None of the animals is precisely identical to any other, thereby suggesting freehand execution. Framing each piece is a continuous band of engraved spirals in alternating directions filled with niello.
Other observations:
Two semicircular pieces of silver with rolled edges and wide loops at the ends for clasp and hinge, the latter closed with a silver pin. Hammered, repoussé (from the back and sharpened from the front), engraved, and inlaid with niello. On each piece are four continuous medallions joined by twisted knots and filled with beasts arranged in pairs as mirror images: griffins on one half and lions with tails wrapped around their bodies on the other. The tails of both animals terminate in protrusions resembling half-palmettes. None of the animals is precisely identical to any other, thereby suggesting freehand execution. Framing each piece is a continuous band of engraved spirals in alternating directions filled with niello.
ProvenanceBy 1956, private collection, Paris [see note 1]. 1959, J. J. Klejman (dealer; b. 1906 - d. 1995), New York; 1959, sold by Klejman to the MFA for $900. (Accession Date: November 12, 1959)
Notes:
[1] Published by Marvin C. Ross, "An Emperor's Gift - and Notes on Byzantine Silver Jewelry of the Middle Period," Journal of the Walters Art Gallery 19/20 (1956-1957): 31, fig. 11.
Notes:
[1] Published by Marvin C. Ross, "An Emperor's Gift - and Notes on Byzantine Silver Jewelry of the Middle Period," Journal of the Walters Art Gallery 19/20 (1956-1957): 31, fig. 11.