Pendant
ca. 1780 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Hair had long been important in sentimental jewellery, but during the 18th century it took on a new prominence. It could now form the centrepiece of a jewel, arranged in complicated motifs or as plain, woven sections. Tiny fragments of hair could even be incorporated into delicate paintings. Some designs were made by professionals, but many women chose to work the hair of loved ones themselves, using gum to secure their creations.
Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship indicate their great social importance.
Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship indicate their great social importance.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Enamelled gold with painted and hair decoration |
Brief description | Enamelled gold pendant with a painted flower decorated with hair and the motto RICORDATI DE ME ( Remember me ). The back set with plaited hair, England, about 1780 |
Physical description | Enamelled gold pendant with a painted flower decorated with hair and the motto Remember me in Italian RICORDATI DE ME. The back set with plaited hair |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | motto RICORDATI DE ME |
Credit line | Bequeathed by Mrs Isobel Baynes |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Hair had long been important in sentimental jewellery, but during the 18th century it took on a new prominence. It could now form the centrepiece of a jewel, arranged in complicated motifs or as plain, woven sections. Tiny fragments of hair could even be incorporated into delicate paintings. Some designs were made by professionals, but many women chose to work the hair of loved ones themselves, using gum to secure their creations. Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship indicate their great social importance. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.56-1950 |
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Record created | July 19, 2006 |
Record URL |
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