Eastern Europe, Balkan Region, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A large repousse silver and copper belt buckle known as a pafti, in two pieces, with round bosses containing relief birds in the center of each. The birds are surrounded by floral motifs and the outside edges of the belt have projecting, thin motifs, that are also floral. One side has a heavy hook that fits onto the back of the other; the loop covered by a projecting gilded silver and copper boss. The hollow backs of each side have copper bands used for attaching the buckle to leather or textile belt or sash. Size of both hooked together: 8.25" L x 3.15" W (21 cm x 8 cm); silver quality: 57.8% to 58.8%; weight: 144.7 grams

Provenance: private Salt Spring, BC, Canada collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private New Jersey, USA collection

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#184846

Some indentations and nicks to surface. Dark toning and patina. Overall good condition.