Details
A VERY UNUSUAL GOLD EARRING OR PENDANT PIN of elaborate chandelier form, the faceted circular surmount with crossbar centre suspending a hemispherical lower section and hung overall with flattened drops engraved with hobnail ornament, the reverse with vertical securing pin (few drops missing), circa 1650
3 1/5in. (8.0cm.) overall height
This is almost certainly of Indonesian origin and belongs to a related group of gold jewels recovered from 17th Century Spanish wrecks. The unconventional treatment of the surface metal on this piece was intended to achieve maximum decorative effect when worn in candlelit conditions, (see S. Rodgers, Power and Gold, Jewelry from Malaysia and the Philippines, Collection of the Barbier-Muller Museum, Geneva, 1988 with particular reference to Western Sumatra and Eastern Java and Christie's London, 20 June 1984, lots 59 and 60)
3 1/5in. (8.0cm.) overall height
This is almost certainly of Indonesian origin and belongs to a related group of gold jewels recovered from 17th Century Spanish wrecks. The unconventional treatment of the surface metal on this piece was intended to achieve maximum decorative effect when worn in candlelit conditions, (see S. Rodgers, Power and Gold, Jewelry from Malaysia and the Philippines, Collection of the Barbier-Muller Museum, Geneva, 1988 with particular reference to Western Sumatra and Eastern Java and Christie's London, 20 June 1984, lots 59 and 60)