TANGIER, FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF MOROCCAN GEMSET GOLD FIBULAE
TANGIER, FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY
Each of drop-form with central raised panel inset with an emerald surrounded 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 an inset rosette
Each terminal 4½in. (11.5cm.) long

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. Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

Gold fibulae were extremely rare and they were usually triangular. They were used as in classical times, to hold the draped upper clothing in place. A similar but more elaborate pair of filbulae were sold at Sotheby's, London, 28 April 1994, lot 134. Further examples have been published from the Musée Dar Belghazi (Khireddine Mourad, Francis Ramirez and Christian Rolot, Arts et Traditions du Maroc, Courbevoie (Paris), 1998, p.158), and the Linden Museum, Stuttgart (Rachel Hasson, Later Islamic Jewellery, Jerusalem, 1997, no.76, p.59).

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