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Comments

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  Harald February 21, 2012 at 10:29pm

  What a beautiful item this is, Marie-Ange!
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  Marie-Ange February 21, 2012 at 10:31pm

  Thanks Harald, I never buy belt buckles but could not resist this one.  I have no idea where it came from, nor did the seller.
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  Ethnic Embellishments February 21, 2012 at 11:16pm

  I think that this is Ottoman.  I recently saw a *very* similar box in a rounded shape that was Ottoman or Eastern European with Ottoman influence.  It would have matched this perfectly.  If I find it, I'll let you know!
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  Marie-Ange February 21, 2012 at 11:21pm

  Thanks Hillary, it makes sence as I purchased this with the Ottoman pendant from the same seller.
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  Joost Daalder February 21, 2012 at 11:23pm

  Marie-Ange, Truus and I would suggest that this is almost certainly from Turkey; if not from that country itself, it would still definitely come from near the Black Sea, but Turkey is more probable. It would seem to belong to the same "family" - crudely speaking - as two objects posted on p. 370 of Truus's *Ethnic Jewellery and Adornnment*, each of which has pieces of very similarly carved and shaped coral. The overall shape, and the refinement, also can be seen as related, in all three pieces. Truus publishes a head ornament (very rare), as most likely produced by the Adzharian people, in the Batumi district on the east coast of the Black see, and that conclusion seems to have found favour. The other piece is Turkish, however. This, Truus and I agree, is probably one half of a Turkish belt buckle. The shape and decoration also seem Turkish.  It is clearly very early, and of superb quality. Distinctly Ottoman, with all its refinement and opulence. A truly great-quality piece, and the only pity is that you don't have the other half as well. Never mind, what you do have is beautiful, and clearly of museum quality. Congratulations. Again, I am envious!
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  Joost Daalder February 21, 2012 at 11:27pm

  Just one addition. Could it be that at least part of this is gilded bronze? That would not be at all unlikely. And for further discussion, see p. 348 of Truus's book.
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  Ethnic Embellishments February 21, 2012 at 11:30pm

  I was just remembering where I had seen the other piece in an identical style.  The eBay seller, "balthazara" had it listed, but no longer.  I remember it being rather expensive, but it was a complete piece, with the same workmanship and carved tear-drop corals.  If you contact her, she may still have it.
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  Joost Daalder February 22, 2012 at 12:06am

  Sorry, Marie-Ange, I had not seen the back when commenting. It would certainly seem to be predominantly silver, at the very least. A great piece. Interested to learn about balthazara's piece which Hillary mentions. I don't know what the price was, but these ARE rare pieces, and very good ... Great workmanship, very beautiful, and very much part of a vanished culture.
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  Joost Daalder February 22, 2012 at 12:07am

  Hillary, - You and I were writing independently about its Ottoman origin (neither of us had seen each other's post!), We obviously are in tune!
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  Alaa eddine SAGID February 22, 2012 at 1:06am

  i REALLY LIKE THESE§§

  I guess this is half a buckle? isnt it ?

  I recently missed one here in Paris at a live auction, big and perfect but sold at a very hefty price!!!

  These come from "saphramopolis" or nowadays Safranbolu in north west Turkey where a sizeable greek population was living and the smiths there supplied greece and the balkans with jewelry.

  Here is a complete one from a greek museum

  

  I love how the coral inserts are carved in these buckles