Antique ARMENIAN Niello Silver Belt Caucasus .875 Silver Ready to Wear 521g/18oz

Description: NOTE:Recently silver prices surged and have surpassed 10 year highs. Antique Armenian Niello Silver Belt Late 19th to Early 20th CenturyThe Caucasus Composition: Niello silver, 84 zol. = 875/1000 silver fineness. (The old Russian measurement for silver purity, where 84 zolotnik corresponds to a silver purity of 875/1000 (87.5% pure silver). Belt Size: ~ 29" x 1¼" (~74 x 3.2 cm) Weight: ~521 g (~18.4 oz) Year: Circa 1900, Caucasus Silver marks: Marked with the Armenian Maker's name and the 84 zol. = 875/1000 silver fineness. Please see the longer discussion about Caucasian belts at the end of the listing’s images. Please see the high resolution images. Click Link Below To See Our Other Listings: europroducts The correct belt size is: ~ 29" x 1¼" (~74 x 3.2 cm) Not as shown in image below. Thank you & good luck bidding. International buyers are responsible for knowing all customs regulations and pay for the customs fees imposed by the country the items are being imported into. Please do not ask for invoice showing less than what was paid your purchase. Click Link Below To See Our Other Listings: europroducts Russian, Georgian, Armenian, and Azeri niello-inlaid silver belts share several characteristics and techniques that reflect the broader historical, cultural, and artisanal traditions of the Caucasus and surrounding regions. Here’s an overview of their common features and distinctions: Niello Technique Shared Technique: Niello is a form of decorative inlay in which a black mixture (often made of sulphur, copper, lead, and silver) is applied to engraved or etched designs on metal, typically silver. This creates high contrast between the bright silver and the darkened inlay, enhancing the intricate patterns. Regional Mastery: This technique has been practiced across Russia, the Caucasus (especially Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan), and parts of the Ottoman and Persian Empires for centuries. Each culture developed its own motifs and stylistic preferences but shared the niello method itself. Materials Silver: All four cultures—Russian, Georgian, Armenian, and Azeri—commonly used high-quality silver for the base of these belts. Niello: The black alloy used in all these regions for inlaying is similarly composed, although local variations in composition and application might be observed. Design Motifs Floral and Geometric Patterns: Across these cultures, common motifs include floral and geometric patterns. These reflect the region's strong influence of Islamic art, especially in Azeri and Georgian designs, though Christian iconography might appear in Armenian designs. Figurative Elements: Russian belts often featured more figurative elements (e.g., animals, scenes of rural life), while Georgian, Armenian, and Azeri belts leaned more toward abstract and symbolic designs. Cultural and Religious Influences Russian Belts: Russian niello silver belts sometimes incorporated Orthodox Christian imagery, such as crosses or saints, especially in ceremonial belts. Georgian Belts: Georgian niello belts might display motifs related to medieval Christian imagery or local nature, with floral designs and crosses. Armenian Belts: Armenian belts often featured delicate patterns influenced by the country’s Christian heritage, intertwined with local nature and symbolic patterns. Azeri Belts: Azeri niello belts, influenced by Islamic art and Persian styles, tend to include arabesques, scrollwork, and geometric precision. Construction and Functionality Segments: The belts from all four regions often consist of multiple silver segments or plaques, linked together by hinges or metal loops. These segments are usually rectangular, with each segment displaying a different niello-inlaid design. Buckle: The buckle of these belts is usually larger and more ornate, showcasing the craftsmanship. Buckles might feature a central medallion or specific religious or cultural symbol depending on the region. Uses and Significance Traditional Dress: These belts were an important part of traditional dress in all four regions. They were worn by both men and women on special occasions and were considered status symbols, often indicating wealth or social standing. Ceremonial and Everyday Wear: While primarily used for ceremonial purposes, in some cases, these belts were also worn in daily life as part of national or regional costumes. Cultural Identity Russian Belts: Russian niello belts were part of traditional folk dress and could also reflect military influence, especially with Cossack designs in regions near the Caucasus. Georgian Belts: In Georgia, these belts often reflect a fusion of Christian and Islamic influences due to the country’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Armenian Belts: Armenian niello belts were tied closely to local artisanship and religious symbolism, with deep roots in Christian iconography. Azeri Belts: Azeri belts, influenced by Persian and Islamic motifs, showcase the region’s historic ties to the Persian Empire and later, Ottoman and Russian influences. Key Similarities Artisanal Skill: All four regions share a highly developed tradition of metalwork and silversmithing. Cultural Crossroads: The niello belts from these regions reflect the broader cultural exchanges that occurred over centuries due to the region’s location along major trade routes and political boundaries. Key Differences Motifs and Iconography: The main differences arise in the choice of motifs—whether religious, floral, or geometric—and the influence of the respective cultures and dominant religions in each region. Stylistic Elements: While Russian belts may have more figurative elements, Armenian, Georgian, and Azeri belts often focus more on symbolic and abstract designs. These belts not only served as beautiful functional objects but also represented the wearer’s identity, heritage, and regional pride, making them highly valued across these diverse cultures. List of keywords: Antique Belt, Antique Caucasian Belt, Antique Niello Silver Belt, Antique Russian Silver, Azerbaijan, Caucasian Artifacts, Caucasian Belt, Caucasian Heritage, Caucasian Jewelry, Caucasus Azerbaijan, Caucasian Traditional Art, Collectible Belt, Composition Niello Silver, Decorative Silver, Ethnic Jewelry, Handcrafted Silver, Historical Artifact, Historical Jewelry, Imperial Russian Era, Jewelry Collectibles, Kokoshnik Mark, Niello, Niello Art, Niello Silver, Niello Silver Belt, Niello Silver Jewelry, Niello Technique, Old Russian Silver, Period Jewelry, Rare Antique Belt, Russian Imperial Silver, Russian Silver, Russian Silver Marks, Silver Antiques, Silver Belt, Silver Collectibles, Silver Craftsmanship, Silver Fineness, Silver Jewelry, Silver Marks, Silver Ornament, Traditional Art, Traditional Belt, Traditional Jewelry, Vintage Artifact, Vintage Belt, Vintage Silver, Zolotnik Standard.

Price: 1400 USD

Location: New York, New York

End Time: 2024-11-05T02:14:41.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD