Old large Ottoman Empire Balkan ethnic silver buckle, 19th century

  

A very large silver buckle. Commonly known as a "pafti," this spectacular piece is characterized by a hand-embossed silver plate and a central clasp decorated with a cabochon set with green glass paste cut to resemble an emerald.

Its considerable size confirms that it was an ornament intended for someone of a dominant social class. The wide surface available for decoration allowed the jeweler to fully display their skill by engraving highly detailed, symmetrical floral motifs and complex scrolls in the shape of leaves or palmettes. The engravings are deep, creating the illusion of a much more massive material in order to enhance its precious appearance without increasing the weight. The back of the buckle is also in excellent state of preservation, including the fastening system as well as the loops designed to hold a wide velvet or silk belt embroidered with cannetille.

Dimensions: 26 cm x 9 cm; weight: 153 g.