- Ein Paar Ohrringe in Form von zwei Mohren
auction 379, Lot 1005
JEWELLERY
on 20 March 2018
Ein Paar Ohrringe in Form von zwei Mohren
Differenzbesteuerung
A PAIR OF BLACKAMOOR EARRINGS
Germany or Austria, circa 1850
18K yellow gold, tested. 12 small rubies. Black and white ronde-bosse enamel and green translucent enamel. 2 seed pearls. The overall condition is very good. The enamel has some minimal damage. 1 earring has been restored.
Circa 2.9 x 0.7 cm. Circa 5.08 g.
Together with: Box.
When considering depictions of "Blackamoors" in goldsmiths art, one tends to first think of the famous cup by Christoph Jamnitzer (1563-1618), created around 1595/1600. During the colonial era numerous indigenous africans and americans were bought to the courts of Europe. Until the eighteenth century it was considered a status symbol, at royal courts, as well as among the privileged upper-classes, to have "blackamoors" as exotic servants, usually as valets, chamber maids or in military dress, performing the function of ornamental guards, within court. Well-known Moors include Anton Wilhelm Amo, Angelo Soliman and Ignatius Fortuna. In the 18th century, the representation of "blackamoors" was very popular and also found its way into jewellery design. The present earrings represent a return to the motif during the Rococo Revial period.
