Bangle
1800-1870 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The 1851 Great Exhibition inspired a series of 'London International Exhibitions' which took place in South Kensington in 1871, 1872, 1873 and 1874. Fine arts and scientific inventions and discoveries remained central display themes but each exhibition presented different aspects of manufacture. In 1872 one emphasis was on jewellery, including 'peasant jewellery'. The Exhibition Commissioners arranged with the South Kensington Museum (later V&A) to make a collection of peasant jewellery from 'all parts of the world, which should become public property, for exhibition in the Museum after the close of the Exhibition'. A letter was sent by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to British representatives overseas asking for their help in securing pieces of jewellery, particularly examples with 'a direct connection with the native instinctive art, which has been handed down by a long tradition'. The outcome was considered to be 'most satisfactory … a collection of characteristic ornaments never before equalled was obtained'.
This bracelet is part of this collection. Made in Egypt, it is formed of hollow silver decorated with a chased design.
This bracelet is part of this collection. Made in Egypt, it is formed of hollow silver decorated with a chased design.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Chased silver |
| Brief description | Middle East, Metalwork. Silver bangle, hollow with engraved decoration of leafy scrolls, Egypt, 1800-1870 |
| Physical description | An open hollow silver bangle with chased design and squared-off ends. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Acquired by the Exhibition Commissioners of the London International Exhibition of 1872 as an example of 'peasant jewellery' and then transferred to the South Kensington Museum. |
| Summary | The 1851 Great Exhibition inspired a series of 'London International Exhibitions' which took place in South Kensington in 1871, 1872, 1873 and 1874. Fine arts and scientific inventions and discoveries remained central display themes but each exhibition presented different aspects of manufacture. In 1872 one emphasis was on jewellery, including 'peasant jewellery'. The Exhibition Commissioners arranged with the South Kensington Museum (later V&A) to make a collection of peasant jewellery from 'all parts of the world, which should become public property, for exhibition in the Museum after the close of the Exhibition'. A letter was sent by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to British representatives overseas asking for their help in securing pieces of jewellery, particularly examples with 'a direct connection with the native instinctive art, which has been handed down by a long tradition'. The outcome was considered to be 'most satisfactory … a collection of characteristic ornaments never before equalled was obtained'. This bracelet is part of this collection. Made in Egypt, it is formed of hollow silver decorated with a chased design. |
| Bibliographic reference | List of Objects in the Art Division, South Kensington Museum, acquired during the year 1873, London: George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1521-1873 |
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| Record created | October 25, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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