Clasp
1650-1750 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Throughout the lands of the former Ottoman Empire, from the north Balkans to the Caucasus, large and elaborate clasps were the most important item in a woman's dowry. The women who owned them sewed them onto cloth belts which they made themselves, usually richly embroidered. The only men who wore ornamental clasps were bishops and other senior ecclesiastics. Their clasps were often decorated with religious themes.
Cypriot clasps are part of the general Ottoman tradition, but are often more sophisticated and decorative than those from elsewhere. The finest pieces are made of filigree or niello. Niello work, called savati in Cyprus from the Turkish word for colouring (black), often uses Turkish motifs, such as roses and tulips, as here.
This clasp probably dates from the late 17th or early 18th century. It was bought in 1888, just after a terrible famine, when many people had to sell their family heirlooms.
Cypriot clasps are part of the general Ottoman tradition, but are often more sophisticated and decorative than those from elsewhere. The finest pieces are made of filigree or niello. Niello work, called savati in Cyprus from the Turkish word for colouring (black), often uses Turkish motifs, such as roses and tulips, as here.
This clasp probably dates from the late 17th or early 18th century. It was bought in 1888, just after a terrible famine, when many people had to sell their family heirlooms.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Incised silver with niello |
| Brief description | Silver belt clasp (poukla) decorated with floral niello designs, Cyprus, 1650-1750. |
| Physical description | Two-part clasp, each half rectangular with an ogival outer end, decorated on the front in a pattern of stylised flowers with niello highlights. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production | Worn by women |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Throughout the lands of the former Ottoman Empire, from the north Balkans to the Caucasus, large and elaborate clasps were the most important item in a woman's dowry. The women who owned them sewed them onto cloth belts which they made themselves, usually richly embroidered. The only men who wore ornamental clasps were bishops and other senior ecclesiastics. Their clasps were often decorated with religious themes. Cypriot clasps are part of the general Ottoman tradition, but are often more sophisticated and decorative than those from elsewhere. The finest pieces are made of filigree or niello. Niello work, called savati in Cyprus from the Turkish word for colouring (black), often uses Turkish motifs, such as roses and tulips, as here. This clasp probably dates from the late 17th or early 18th century. It was bought in 1888, just after a terrible famine, when many people had to sell their family heirlooms. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1537&A-1888 |
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| Record created | April 1, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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