Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1860
Publication Place
Egypt (made) -
Subject
Jewellery Africa Metalwork
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Maximum diameter: 6cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
1516-1873
Record ID
1516-1873
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1860
Notes
Bracelets were part of traditional costume in most Islamic cultures, and were always originally worn in matching pairs. Many of those made in Egypt were made of heavy twisted wire, like this, and often carry Egyptian silver marks. Although this bracelet was made in Egypt, as the marks show, it was probably intended for sale in Syria. Egyptian silversmiths had been making jewellery for the nomadic tribes who roamed the desert between Egypt and Syria for centuries, and knew exactly what designs were appropriate. This example was bought for the Museum for 12 shillings at the International Exhibition, London, 1872 as an example of Egyptian traditional jewellery. Henry Cole, the director, had arranged with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that British representatives abroad should send examples of peasant jewellery to the exhibition from âall parts of the world, which should become public property, for exhibition in the Museum after the close of the Exhibitionâ. The jewellery that resulted from this initiative was duly put on show, and proved extremely popular. Many London jewellers imported examples of the pieces displayed, and this kind of traditional jewellery remained fashionable until the end of the century. A bracelet very similar to this one can be seen in the Liberty & Co 1895 catalogue, described as a âDamascus Single Twist Bangleâ.
Sample Text
'Ù¨Ù ', a crescent and a stylised lion, in an oval frame.Transliteration80TranslationMark for 800 standard silver, Egypt, c.1839-1920.NoteOn front of one terminal., 'Ù¨Ù ' over wavy line with a loop at the right end, in square frame.Transliteration80MTranslationMark for 800 standard silver.NoteOn front of one terminal.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Silver Silver
Fiziksel açıklama
Penannular bracelet made from two lengths of thick silver wire twisted together. The ends of the wire are flattened at each end and the flat sheet so formed is bent forward to make a semi-circular terminal on the front.
