#post medieval

[stanford-photography]

Portrait of Lyuba as if Painted by Barthel Bruyn the Elder around 1534 By Jeff Stanford, 2024 Buy prints at: https://jeff-stanford.pixels.com/

[ltwilliammowett]

Two post-medieval (18th century) beached vessels, Elmley Ferry Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England

[archaicwonder]

Rare Renaissance Gold and Type IIA Diamond Ring, 16th-17th Century AD

A slender D-section gold hoop with graduated rosettes to the shoulders, scrolls supporting a cupped bezel with egg-and-dart modeling to the rim, open to the underside; inset baguette-cut Type IIa 'first water' diamond; engraved areas were once enameled black as was customary for that period, trace enamel in extant. 3.78 grams, 23mm overall, 16.04mm internal diameter. Rare.

The stone was sourced from the Golconda mines, Hyderabad, India, which ceased production in 1725. It was subjected to analysis at EGL USA in New York in October 2016 and certified 'Type IIA and not treated'. Type II diamonds have no nitrogen impurities. Type IIa diamonds comprise 1-2% of all natural diamonds; they are often entirely devoid of impurities and are usually colorless. The underside of the ring's bezel was probably cut away in the 19th century to improve the appearance of the stone.

At the time of its cutting, the diamond would have been described as a 'diamond of the first water', a reference to its perfect clarity. The term went out of use for defining the color, clarity and internal cleanliness of diamonds when newer, more scientific grading systems came into use. Golconda stones of this purity are very rare.

[stanford-photography]

Time Traveler Lyuba 103 Portrait as if by Lucas Cranach the Younger 1550 By Jeff Stanford, 2024 Buy prints at: https://jeff-stanford.pixels.com/

[stanford-photography]

Portrait of Lyuba as if Painted by Barthel Bruyn the Elder around 1535 By Jeff Stanford, 2024 Buy prints at: https://jeff-stanford.pixels.com/

[archaicwonder]

Italian Cimaruta Witch Charm, 19th Century AD

A silver amulet in the form of a sprig of rue with three branches further subdividing to two stalks on each; at the end of each stalk is a symbol comprising: a hand making the mano fico sign, and hand holding a dagger, a snake, the crescent moon with face, a heart, key, rose and cockerel; with three lobed suspension ring. 15 grams, 70mm (2 3/4")

The cimaruta is a very old charm rooted in the lore of Roman polytheism. Like many of the lasting ancient symbols and beliefs the cimaruta design eventually took on symbolic elements of Catholicism. One example of a Christian addition to the design is the appearance of "the sacred heart" of Jesus. The word cimaruta literally means 'a sprig of rue', a herb that is highly featured in Italian magic and lore.The branch of the rue is divided into three stems symbolizing the triformis goddess Diana. Rue is one of the sacred herbs of this goddess. Various charms appear on the rue design and each one bears its own meaning. The primary symbols are the moon, serpent, and key. These represent the goddess in her triple form as Hecate (the key), Diana (the moon) and Proserpina (the serpent).  This ancient grouping of the goddess appears in the ancient writings of such figures as Lucan. Ovid and Horace also feature the goddess Diana in their writings related to witchcraft. These amulets were mostly produced from the late 18th century up to the present day in Naples, South Italy, where belief in the Evil Eye has remained strong.

[archaicwonder]

East European Gilt Wedding Belt, 19th Century AD

A silver-gilt belt with central medallion with plain oval center and sun-burst to the edge, to the top and crown; riveted to either side three rows of bells; to the back a buckle and strap, holes for pins to secure the belt. 215 grams, 20cm (8")

[archaicwonder]

Elizabethan Corbel Beam Support

A carved oak corbel beam support displaying a horned male head in high relief; ovoid with fierce-looking lentoid eyes, curiously scrolled ears of bovine (or ovicaprid?) character, large upturned bull's horns, flame-like locks of hair ringed by a headband mounted with seven balls, a neatly-trimmed Elizabethan-style beard, and a flowing walrus mustache with ends turned up to echo his upturned bull's horns; apparently of British workmanship, with old iron suspension plate to the reverse. 3.2 kg, 35x21.5cm (13 3/4 x 8 1/2").