Clasp thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Clasp

1800-1890 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This clasp is a collar clasp from central Russia. It was worn by a Tatar woman on festive occasions to close the front of her shirt. It would originally have had an additional pendant hanging from the empty loop in the centre.

Tatar jewellery is renowned for its use of native stones such as cornelian and turquoise, which were frequently set in filigree mounts. The filigree plaques on the two outer pendants of this clasp are probably of Tatar workmanship, but may be replacements. The central pendants are more typical of clasp pendants, which are normally all the same.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Clasp
  • Clasp
Materials and techniques
Silver-gilt set with turquoise and cornelian
Brief description
Silver-gilt clasp set with turquoise, with long pendants ending in turquoise and carnelian, Central Asia, 1800-1890.
Physical description
Two-part silver-gilt clasp set with turquoises, with a rosette of turquoises over the central hook. Each part is shaped like a shell, with chased lines on the front. There are two long pendants, of rings linked by leaves set with turquoise, hanging from each part, and a fifth (missing) hanging from the central rosette. The two central pendants end in a circular plaque set with a facetted cornelian surrounded by turquoises. The two outer pendants end in open filigree plaques.
Dimensions
  • Height: 160mm
  • Width: 80mm
  • Depth: 10mm
Summary
This clasp is a collar clasp from central Russia. It was worn by a Tatar woman on festive occasions to close the front of her shirt. It would originally have had an additional pendant hanging from the empty loop in the centre.

Tatar jewellery is renowned for its use of native stones such as cornelian and turquoise, which were frequently set in filigree mounts. The filigree plaques on the two outer pendants of this clasp are probably of Tatar workmanship, but may be replacements. The central pendants are more typical of clasp pendants, which are normally all the same.
Collection
Accession number
143:1&2-1906

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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