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images
Not on display

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.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Clasps
  • Clasp
  • Clasp
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
  • Width: 142mm
  • Height: 45mm
  • Depth: 5mm
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 createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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