FEZ, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF MOROCCAN GEMSET GOLD FIBULAE (KHALLALAT)
FEZ, LATE 18TH CENTURY
Each of oval form with central raised panel inset with an emerald surroundeed by smaller similar stones, flanked by a wide surround of scrolling wire-work with inset stones and applied pearls, the reverse plain, pin and crescent loop at one end, the other with a loop connecting a simple chain which links the two through a central drop-shaped emerald
Each terminal 5.18in. (13.1cm.) long (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The workmanship of these fibulae is very similar to that of many of the pendants drawn by Jean Besancenot, but all of them appear to be set with noticeably smaller gemstones (Bijoux arabes et berbères du Maroc, Casablanca, 1953, nos.11-24, pls.V-VIII). A similar pair, but with the addition of attached pearls, linked, as here, through a large drop-shaped emerald on chain, is in the Musée des Oudaias in Rabat (Marie-Rose Rabatié and André Goldenberg, Bijoux du Maroc, Aix-en-Provence, 1999, p.59). A very similar pair was sold in these Rooms, 17 April 2007, lot 346.

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