Girdle
early 17th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This belt was described as 16th or 17th century German when it was acquired by the Museum in 1894.
Parts of it may be that old, but it is very unlikely that the belt was made at that time in this form. In particular, the hanger, which now links the two parts of the clasp, would originally have been inserted into the length of the belt, at the right side. These hangers were a common element of women’s marriage belts in northern and central Europe, where they acted as a kind of chatelaine for keys or knives, and continued in use with traditional costume until well into the 19th century. The closed top of the hanger is also more common in Scandinavia and the Netherlands than in the German-language area, where hangers usually had an open top.
Parts of it may be that old, but it is very unlikely that the belt was made at that time in this form. In particular, the hanger, which now links the two parts of the clasp, would originally have been inserted into the length of the belt, at the right side. These hangers were a common element of women’s marriage belts in northern and central Europe, where they acted as a kind of chatelaine for keys or knives, and continued in use with traditional costume until well into the 19th century. The closed top of the hanger is also more common in Scandinavia and the Netherlands than in the German-language area, where hangers usually had an open top.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt partly enamelled in black, blue, ochre and brown |
| Brief description | Silver-gilt chain belt with an enamelled clasp and hanger, South Germany, early 17th century. |
| Physical description | Silver-gilt chain belt with decorative clasp. The chain is made from rectangular 8-shaped segments each linked to its neighbour by two rectangular links. There is a small cast decorative motif applied to the centre front of each segment. The two terminal segments each end in a loop to hold the clasp. The clasp consists of two circular flat hollow pieces with domed fronts, over which there is an openwork arabesque enamelled in black, blue, ochre and brown. One half of the clasp has a ring at one side, and the other a corresponding hook of thick wire. A hanger, with a floral base and a closed top over which is appliquéd an openwork trellis, enamelled blue, with an angel’s head in the centre, is attached to the loop of the clasp. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Illegible letters in rectangular frame. (On side of hook.)
|
| Object history | ex Zschille Collection |
| Summary | This belt was described as 16th or 17th century German when it was acquired by the Museum in 1894. Parts of it may be that old, but it is very unlikely that the belt was made at that time in this form. In particular, the hanger, which now links the two parts of the clasp, would originally have been inserted into the length of the belt, at the right side. These hangers were a common element of women’s marriage belts in northern and central Europe, where they acted as a kind of chatelaine for keys or knives, and continued in use with traditional costume until well into the 19th century. The closed top of the hanger is also more common in Scandinavia and the Netherlands than in the German-language area, where hangers usually had an open top. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 162-1894 |
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| Record created | August 1, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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