Enquiry about object: 9557
Moroccan Gold, Silver & Enamel ‘Moon & Sun’ Bracelet (Shems ou Khmer)
North-West Morocco mid-20th century
outer diameter: 8.2cm, inner diameter: 6.8cm, width: 3cm, weight: 78g
Provenance
private collection, UK
This wearable, attractive bracelet comprises a silver band onto which alternating gold and silver plaques are attached. These have been chased with leafy motifs. The gold plaques have been decorated with red enamel and the silver plaques with green enamel.
Bracelets such as this example were made in the North-West of Morocco, most probably either in Tetouan, Rabat or Tangier.
The bracelet is bordered top and bottom with a gilded beaded bands.
The use of gold and silver gives rise to the name of moon and sun (lune et soleil) bracelet. It is a type of bracelet that is unique to Morocco, and often is worn by a bride at her wedding.
A similar bracelet is illustrated in Rabate & Goldenberg (1999, p. 23 & 53), and also Zniber & Meziou (2023, p. 219).
The example here has an excellent patina and obvious age. The use of green and red enamel is unusual. The condition is stable and wearable.
References
Rabate, M & A. Goldenberg, Bijoux du Maroc, Edisud, 1999.
Zniber, Z. & W. Meziou, Parures en or du Maroc: Histoire de Femmes, de Symboles et d’Amour, Editions Relet de Soi, 2023.
