21 3 / 2013
The Dunstable Swan Jewel
Medieval, around AD 1400
From France or EnglandThe Dunstable Swan Jewel is a livery badge of the highest order and quality. To wear such an item was a declaration of allegiance to a noble family or a king. It is made from opaque white enamel fused over gold, a technique known as émail en ronde bosse that developed in Paris in the second half of the fourteenth century. The chain and coronet attached to the swan’s neck are also of gold.
The emblem of the swan was very popular among nobles eager to demonstrate their descent from the Swan Knight of courtly romance. The most notable English family of the fourteenth century to use this symbol was that of De Bohun. The swan was adopted by the house of Lancaster when Henry of Lancaster married Mary de Bohun in 1380. When Henry became King Henry IV in 1399 the swan badge became associated with the Prince of Wales.
Although descriptions of similarly fine pieces of livery jewellery exist in documentary form, the Dunstable Swan Jewel is the only known surviving example of such a badge. It probably belonged to a prominent supporter of a rich and influential family, such as the de Bohuns or the house of Lancaster. Emblems made of less rich materials would have been distributed to supporters of lower social status, including servants. | THE BRITISH MUSEUM
(via puupuu)
08 9 / 2012
Resin Rings and Bangles with Copper and Pink and Yellow Gold Flakes by daimblond in Normandy, France.
(Source: sosuperawesome)
07 9 / 2011
Drusilla Tiara. Gothic Headpiece with Marcasite, Garnets, Cameos, Pearls and Rhinestones. From the Etsy Store of acpetrille here.
17 7 / 2011
09 2 / 2011
19 10 / 2010
Evening dress ca. 1964 via The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
love
02 10 / 2010
This looks like it might hurt to get punched in the face with.
eun yeong jeong. wool, cactus, copper.
