Clasp
18th century (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.
The cone, comma, or paisley-shaped clasp is one of the commonest and most characteristic designs throughout the former Ottoman region.
Cypriot clasps are part of the general Ottoman tradition, but are often more sophisticated and decorative than those from elsewhere. The goldsmiths of Cyprus were famous for their filigree, often enriched with blue and green enamels. They rarely marked their work. This clasp probably dates from the 18th century. It was bought in 1888, just after a terrible famine, when many people had to sell their family heirlooms.
The cone, comma, or paisley-shaped clasp is one of the commonest and most characteristic designs throughout the former Ottoman region.
Cypriot clasps are part of the general Ottoman tradition, but are often more sophisticated and decorative than those from elsewhere. The goldsmiths of Cyprus were famous for their filigree, often enriched with blue and green enamels. They rarely marked their work. This clasp probably dates from the 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 | Silver filigree decorated with coloured enamels and a red paste |
| Brief description | Comma-shaped silver filigree clasp (poukla) with coloured enamel decoration, Cyprus, 18th century. |
| Physical description | Two-part comma-shaped open filigree clasp, decorated with lozenges, granules and hollow domes, with domed rosettes of red and green enamel and a central enamelled plaque. One rosette replaced (with similar in turquoise and green enamel). Faceted red paste with granulated border over the hook. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production | Worn by women |
| 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. The cone, comma, or paisley-shaped clasp is one of the commonest and most characteristic designs throughout the former Ottoman region. Cypriot clasps are part of the general Ottoman tradition, but are often more sophisticated and decorative than those from elsewhere. The goldsmiths of Cyprus were famous for their filigree, often enriched with blue and green enamels. They rarely marked their work. This clasp probably dates from the 18th century. It was bought in 1888, just after a terrible famine, when many people had to sell their family heirlooms. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1536&A-1888 |
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| Record created | April 1, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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