Pair of Buckles
late 18th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
These buckles are very small and have no prong device to act as a fastening. They were probably worn as a decorative addition to the front of a shoe belonging to a child or a woman.
Gold or silver buckles for shoes were in fashion for most of the 18th century. They gave the finishing touches to elegant dress and were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men as well as women. Gentlemen wore matching shoe and knee buckles.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and in France. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys.
By 1790 shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress.
Gold or silver buckles for shoes were in fashion for most of the 18th century. They gave the finishing touches to elegant dress and were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men as well as women. Gentlemen wore matching shoe and knee buckles.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and in France. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys.
By 1790 shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
Materials and techniques | Silver, set with pastes |
Brief description | Pair of small buckles, silver, set with pastes, probably France, late 18th century. |
Physical description | Pair of small buckles, silver, set with pastes, fitted with loops at the back and entirely for ornamental use. |
Dimensions |
|
Marks and inscriptions | No marks |
Credit line | Given by Mrs B. de B. Crichton |
Summary | These buckles are very small and have no prong device to act as a fastening. They were probably worn as a decorative addition to the front of a shoe belonging to a child or a woman. Gold or silver buckles for shoes were in fashion for most of the 18th century. They gave the finishing touches to elegant dress and were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men as well as women. Gentlemen wore matching shoe and knee buckles. Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and in France. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys. By 1790 shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.132&A-1984 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | June 9, 2005 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest