PROBABLY LAIBACH, 2ND HALF 16TH CENTURY

Details

A FINE CONTINENTAL SILVER JUDAIC MARRIAGE BELT
PROBABLY LAIBACH, 2ND HALF 16TH CENTURY
Comprising 79 parcel-gilt links, each of shaped rectangular form, decorated with quatrefoils and pearl-shaped knobs, the six circular openings linking three oval rings, one end of the belt with a ring, the other with a parcel-gilt cartouche-form clasp, mounted with openwork scrolls and a floral motif, and fitted with a hook, the belt applied with a similarly decorated detachable buckle used to connect this belt to that of the partner by means of a third belt, with control mark, 1806-09, indicating Laibach (Ljubljana), Austria-Hungary
38 in. (96.5 cm.) long; 8 oz. 10 dwt. (268 gr.)

Provenance

Christie's, Amsterdam, 19 June 1991, lot 152

Brought to you by

Jennifer Pitman

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

jpitman@christies.com Tel: + 1 212 636 2250

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

In some Jewish communities wedding preparations included the exchange of "sivlonot" gifts between the future bride and groom, a tradition that dates back to Talmudic times. In Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries, a pair of marriage belts, known as the Sivlonot Gertel (Gërtel), was exchanged by the couple. They were usually of silver for the groom and gilt or gold for the bride and were worn during the wedding ceremony, when a third belt was used to connect the belts of bride and groom.

More from Important Silver Including The Stuart Collection of Magnificent Regency Silver

View All