Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0295
Seljuk Hinged Gold Bracelet
CIRCA 12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (28.7 grams, 70.5 mm).
Constructed from gold sheet wrapped around a crescent-shaped core tapering towards the ends and over-wrapped with thin gold wire forming diagonal narrow bands; the body terminating in a wirework clasp with four small domed motifs surrounded by granulated circles and hinge pin between.
Provenance
From a private family collection formed in the 1970s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12102-214104.
Literature
Cf. Allan, J.W., The Metalworking Industry in Iran in the Early Islamic Period, volume II, Oxford, 1976, fig.13, for similar.
Footnotes
Seljuk metalwork with Islamic traditions was characterised by the use of geometric and plant motifs in order to fill blank spaces, a coherent combination of colours, and abstinence from using gold and silver. Decorative motifs in metal items in the Seljuk era are, therefore, mainly geometric plant figures, inscriptions, animal and fictional figures compatible with Islamic tradition, with the focus on plant figures and geometric elements like the one visible on our bracelet.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Rock Crystal Engraved Seal
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Hexagonal in section with pointed ends, one face ribbed with pierced lugs, one with scrolled tendrils, one with wing and rosettes, three with calligraphic text. 33 grams, 50 mm
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971. -
Neo-Assyrian Bronze Two-Piece Belt Buckle with Winged Genii
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Comprising two halves decorated in chased low relief, each half with a standing winged figure dressed in long embroidered tunic, holding a stylised snake(?) in the raised hand, the other hand extended along the wing; the left side with three attachment hooks and the right side with a perforated plaque with two lines of holes providing the possibility of extending the belt. 191 grams total, 80 mm each
Nice bronze patina with small scratches on the surface, antique deformations
Acquired prior to 2000. British private collection of Mr D.M., London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11753-202365.
The genii symbolised both protection and fertility - their role was to safeguard and replenish the ancient kingdom of Assyria and therefore, on a personal buckle, the wearer of the belt. The representation of divine genii upon a belt plaque provided a link with the king and with the royal family, and it could be that such a belt was worn by important dignitaries, although the structure of the belt and its composition exclude the possibility of military use. -
Western Asiatic Enamelled Gold Pendant with Inlaid Garnet
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Discoid cell with inset blue enamel plaque, design of three inset leaf-shaped garnet cloisons an three discs, larger disc cloison to the underside. 3.31 grams, 21 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
