Clasp
1800-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Iceland is one of the most remote areas of north-west Europe. Its traditional jewellery often retains many medieval characteristics lost elsewhere.
This three-part filigree clasp is typical of the kind worn by women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Filigree was popular throughout the Nordic region, but Icelandic work is different from that made in other countries. The regular asymmetric designs recall the sinuous lines of Viking ornament. The silversmiths were often farmers, who only worked part time at metal work, but they underwent full apprenticeships in places such as Copenhagen, and the quality of their careful work is the equal of that from anywhere else.
This three-part filigree clasp is typical of the kind worn by women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Filigree was popular throughout the Nordic region, but Icelandic work is different from that made in other countries. The regular asymmetric designs recall the sinuous lines of Viking ornament. The silversmiths were often farmers, who only worked part time at metal work, but they underwent full apprenticeships in places such as Copenhagen, and the quality of their careful work is the equal of that from anywhere else.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
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Materials and techniques | Silver and silver filigree |
Brief description | Three-part silver belt clasp with filigree appliqué, Iceland, 1800-1850. |
Physical description | Three-part silver filigree clasp, consisting of a central circular plaque with two hooks on the back, and two matching rectangular plaques, each with a slot at one end into which the hooks on the central part fasten. Each part is decorated with an open filigree plaque, which is nailed to the back plate. There are holes round the edges of the rectangular parts, for attachment. |
Dimensions |
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Summary | Iceland is one of the most remote areas of north-west Europe. Its traditional jewellery often retains many medieval characteristics lost elsewhere. This three-part filigree clasp is typical of the kind worn by women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Filigree was popular throughout the Nordic region, but Icelandic work is different from that made in other countries. The regular asymmetric designs recall the sinuous lines of Viking ornament. The silversmiths were often farmers, who only worked part time at metal work, but they underwent full apprenticeships in places such as Copenhagen, and the quality of their careful work is the equal of that from anywhere else. |
Collection | |
Accession number | 469-1901 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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