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Rare Antique Silesian Wire Brooch, circa 1805

About the Item

Silesian wire jewelry was crafted by hand at the same time as Berlin Iron, somewhere between 1805-1812. The craft originated from gunsmiths and armor workers in the medieval town of Gleiwitz, Silesia (formerly Poland and now part of Germany and Poland) in the late 1700's. As the work of creating ornaments for armour diminished, ironwork artisans needed to find others forms for their craft; mirror frames, purses and other ornamentation where iron was used instead of precious metal. Jewelry making soon followed. The grey wire is finely and skillfully woven like lace and is light as air. When cared for and kept away from moisture, the jewelry forms last forever and require little maintenance. Very little remains of Silesian wire jewelry. What does remain is typically not in great condition, and so this Silesian wire brooch is indeed a rare find. Silesian wire jewelry was about visual effect of the jewelry on the wearer; the texture of the wire brooch against the soft fabric; the contrast of the gray against light clothes. There is an intrinsic beauty behind the handwork of jewelry made from common materials. The skill of the artisan had to be superior to create an object of beauty out of something as simple as wire from the small town of Silesia, and indeed, it was.
  • Metal:
    Mixed Metal
  • Dimensions:
    Width: 1.75 in (44.45 mm)Length: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
  • Style:
    Georgian
  • Place of Origin:
    Poland
  • Period:
    1800-1809
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1805
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Baltimore, MD
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2519520162

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