Victorian Castellani Bulla Bronze Medallion Gold Pendant

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Victorian Castellani Bulla Bronze Medallion Gold Pendant

About the Item

A Castellani bulla pendant, this exquisite example of archaeological revival, composed of a small bronze medallion to the centre of nine twisted rope and bead decoration circles, reverse with letters "EY" on plain gold, attached to a hinged box, bearing the nine square panes adorned with rope work, granulation and intricate decorations to both sides, in the style of mosaics of early Christian masterpieces of Ravenna, signed CC for Castellani, circa 1865, measuring approximately 4.4 x 3cm, gross weight 33.6 grams. This pendant is in very good condition for its age. Tested as 18ct gold. This exquisite pendant was made by Castellani and comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Castellani was founded in Rome in 1814 by Fortunato Pio Castellani. Castellani was renowned throughout Europe and America for his meticulous and faithful reproductions of jewellery from the ancient world. This pendant features a bronze medallion set within an ornately decorated gold frame. The circular gold piece is set with a further square piece over it, that hinges and opens to reveal a locket. This piece is a faithful reproduction of a bulla pendant, an amulet given to male children nine days after birth to protect against evil spirits and forces. The square section is reminiscent of Byzantine mosaics, while the central circular motif is inspired by Ancient Rome. To the back of the pendant are the letters ‘EY’ which mean ‘Good’ in Ancient Greek. A similar bulla pendant, most likely by Castellani, can be seen in Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’ 1851 portrait of the Princess de Broglie, where the Princess pairs her pendant with a blue silk gown, a gold serpent style bracelet, a string of pearls, and several rings. This piece reflects the remarkable and precise craftsmanship and style of Castellani, as well as the mid-nineteenth century fashion for Ancient Roman styles. Should you choose to make this purchase we would be delighted to send it to you in a Bentley & Skinner handmade leather case packed in a gift-wrapped Bentley & Skinner black and gold presentation box. Shortly afterwards we will send you on a valuation for insurance purposes for your reference and safekeeping.

Creator:
Castellani
Metal:
Gold,18k Gold,Bronze,Yellow Gold
Weight:
33.6 g
Style:
Victorian
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1865
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 257621stDibs: LU576190988