A GOLD ENAMELLED BRACELET
A GOLD ENAMELLED BRACELET
A GOLD ENAMELLED BRACELET
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PROPERTY FROM A SWISS FAMILY COLLECTION
A GOLD ENAMELLED BRACELET

PROBABLY IRAN, 11TH-13TH CENTURY

Details
A GOLD ENAMELLED BRACELET
PROBABLY IRAN, 11TH-13TH CENTURY
Formed of two pieces joined by a hinge, the bracelet set with six alternating heart-shaped and circular panels, four with white and green cloisonné enamel inserts, the pin-clasp hidden by a circular roundel with dragon heads cast either side on the band, inventory sticker on inside of the band
2 ½in. (6.3cm.) maximum diam.
Provenance
Ernst Kofler-Truniger (1903-1990) and Marthe Kofler-Truniger (1918-1999), Luzern (Inv. no. K 720F)
Private Collection, Luzern, acquired from the above circa 1974; thence by continuous descent to the current owner.
Literature
Sammlung E. und M. Kofler Truniger, Luzern, Zürich 1964, p.114, no. 1100
Exhibited
Sammlung E. und M. Kofler-Truniger, Luzern, Kunsthaus Zurich, 7 June-2 August 1964, no.1100
Engraved
The enamel roundels inscribed with the words 'izz da'im, 'perpetual glory'
Further details
Some countries prohibit or restrict the purchase and/or import of Iranian-origin property. Bidders must familiarise themselves with any laws or shipping restrictions that apply to them before bidding. For example, the USA prohibits dealings in and import of Iranian-origin “works of conventional craftsmanship” (such as carpets, textiles, decorative objects, and scientific instruments) without an appropriate licence. Christie’s has a general OFAC licence which, subject to compliance with certain conditions, would enable a buyer to import this type of lot into the USA. If you intend to use Christie’s licence, please contact us for further information before you bid.

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Lot Essay

Although the overall form of this bracelet is unusual, its constituent elements fit with other examples known to have an Iranian origin. The dragons' heads to either side of the pin clasp, for instance, are similar to those on a bracelet in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York which like our bracelet also includes a large amount of granulation in the design (acc.no.59.84). The exact arrangement of granulation, on a setting of twisted wire running the circumference of the bracelet, is more similar to a pair of bracelets in the Khalili Collection (acc.no.JLY 1219, published Jack Ogden and Michael Spink, The Art of Adornment, Oxford, 2013, no.288, p.315). The enamel panels are unusual, and in colour are comparable to an earring in the Khalili collection, there attributed to Syria, but which according to the cataloguing has evidence of a strong 'influence from the East, perhaps Iran' (Ogden and Spink, no.60, p.148).

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