METALWORKS

A Gold Jewellery casket from Toledo Spain, in the form of a chest on four legs. The Casket is beautifully decorated with geometric paterns based upon that of the Alahambra Palace.

The use of gold and intricate geometric patterns as seen here is a quintisential hallmark of Hispano-Moresque art. The functionality of the casket is also absorbed into the decorative nature of the piece, with the key hole being placed in the centre of the primary motif. We see a intricate use of perspective in the decoration of this piece, aiming to replicate the grand halls of the palace it depicts.

Objects such as this were designed to be taken as mementos by elite visitors coming to Toledo as a part of their Grand Tour. This is an extraordinary piece of art, the creation of which required painstakingly long work by a master craftsman.

Toledo workshop damascened jewellery casket, 19th Century CE - 20th Century CE 20 x 13 x 8 cm Toledo, Spain (CB.94)

Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals into one another —typically, gold or silver are inlaid into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns, much similar to the technique of niello. The English term derives from a perceived resemblance to the rich tapestry patterns of damask silk.

The technique of niello -a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal- has been attested in prehistoric Greece, with 49the earliest occurrence of damascening in the Aegean being a dagger from the Shaft Graves of Mycenae, dating to the latest Middle Bronze Age/Middle Helladic IIIB period (2000 BC. ca). Cities that are known for a rich history in Damascening and in which the art is still practiced are Malaysia, Indonesia, Toledo in Spain, Eibar in the Basque Country and Kyoto in Japan. The art of Damascening arrived to Toledo directly from Damascus and developed a very important industry around this craft, also known as Toledo Gold. The art of damascene has passed from generation to generation within the same family for centuries, and has become a hallmark of the city. Jewellery case in the form of a miniature cabinet on stand, the cabinet being furnished with a chest of six drawers. Although damascening is a term which sometimes is applied to the production of damask steel, it is properly the art of incrusting wire of gold (and sometimes wire of silver or of copper) on the surface of iron, steel or bronze. The surface upon which the pattern is to be traced is finely undercut with a sharp instrument, and the gold thread is forced into by hammering and is securely held by the minute furrows of the cut surface.

Damascened jewellery case, 19th Century CE height 19.5 cm (CB.3100)

A beautiful jewellery case in Alhambra style made in Toledo, Spain. Toledo workshops during the 19th century specialised in the production of objects in Moorish style. These artefacts were very often realised with the technique of Damascening, that is the inlaying different metals into one another —typically, gold or silver are inlaid into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns, much similar to the technique of niello. In this case the decoration is skilfully realised with intricate floral patterns.

Alhambra style, casket (Toledo) 19th Century, 1800 CE - 1900 CE 11.4 x 17.8 x 11.4 cm (MS.1323)

An Alhambra style gold inlaid circular dish, produced in Toledo in the 19th Century. This dish is ornately decorated in a style which is indicative of traditional Moorish art.

The piece is a perfect example of Islamic an-iconic decoration, which is to say the prominent use of repeating gemoetric shapes as opposed to any pictoral depiction. This is due to the depiction of human and animals being banned in islamic religious scripture. The decoration of this dish also relies heavily on the use of gold, which is another quintissential feature of HispanoMoresque art.

These decorative stipulations result in a beautiful and intricate design.

An Alhambra style gold inlaid circular dish (Toledo workshop) 19th Century, 1870 CE - 1910 CE width 9 cm (MS.1337)

An Alhambra style pin dish, featuring a striking floral motif and gold decoration.

The piece makes heavy usage of reoccuring gemoetric motifs including the central depiction of flowers in a beautifully contrasting gold, which is something that is greatly emblematic of the hispano-moresque style of the 19th century.

This piece would have been produced as one of the many souvenir style items to leave Toledo in this era, designed to capitalise on the economic boom created in the area as a result of the increasing number of European elite visitors there.

An Alhambra style, gold inlaid, pin-dish (Toledo workshop), 19th Century 11.4 x 11.4 cm (MS.1265)

Gold inlaid rectangular cigarette case with the Palacio de Monterrey in Salamanca. The Monterrey palace is located in the centre of the city of Salamanca and it was constructed in the Italian Renaissance style for don Alonso de Zúñiga y Acevedo Fonseca, the 3rd count of Monterrey in 1539.

It has been declared a Historic National Monument of Spain since 1929. Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals into one another—typically, gold or silver are inlaid into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns, much similar to the technique of niello. The English term derives from a perceived resemblance to the rich tapestry patterns of damask silk.

The art of Damascening arrived to Toledo directly from Damascus and developed a very important industry around this craft, also known as Toledo Gold. The art of damascene has passed from generation to generation within the same family for centuries, and has become a hallmark of the city.

Toledo workshop damascened cigarette case, 19th Century 8.9 x 7.6 cm (MS.1264)

A beautiful overlaid plate in Alhambra style made in Toledo, Spain. Toledo workshops during the 19th century specialised in the production of objects in Moorish style. The decoration consists of complex floral and geometric pattern radiating from the centre of the plate.

An Alhambra style gold overlaid plate (Toledo workshop), 19th Century CE width 10 cm (GM.0030)

The damascening art, which consists in inlaying noble metals on iron or steel, has its origin in similar works that go back to ancient times. Damascene-style work is said to have been practiced by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, but was developed into a high art by the craftsmen of Damascus, Syria more than 2,000 years ago. It was first introduced to Spain by the Moors who conquered the peninsula in 711 AC (Al-Andalus). Toledo, so open through the centuries to the aesthetics and cultural contributions of various cultures and people, maintained this amazing tradition thanks to the vocation and ability of its master craftsmen.

Toledo workshop damascened cigarette case, c. 1900 CE 5.1 x 8.9 cm (CB.154)

An alahambra casket, featuring a domed lid and standing upon four short legs. The process of gold overlay which we see on this chest, the result of forging gold onto a base metal such as copper, results in a striking finish which is greatly emblematic of Hispano Moresque art.

This piece is also ornately decorated with a complex geomertric design, featuring floral motifs and repeating patterns. This finish is therefore an example of Islamic an-iconic practise, which is based upon the scriptures demands that no humans or animals may be depicted in art.

A casket such as this would therefore be of great appeal to the European 19th century travelers for whom it was made, as its striking design would be of great contrast to the christian forms of art to which they were acustomed. Pieces such as this would therefore be a greately lucrative form of commerce throughout the 19th century.

An Alhambra style, gold overlaid, casket, 19th Century CE 10.2 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm (CB.120)

A stunning jewellery casket on four feet realised in the 19th century in Toledo. Damascening is the inlaying different metals into one another —typically, gold or silver are inlaid into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns, much similar to the technique of niello. In this case the decoration consists in a number of panels bearing floral and geometric decorations reminiscent of the intricate architectural details of the 19th century restoration of the Alhambra.

Damascened domed and footed bronze jewellery casket from a Toledo workshop, 1800 CE - 1900 CE 5 x 5 x 5 cm (MS.1332)

A beautifully embellished Damascened Jewellery case, from Toledo Spain. The decorative elements of the casket take centre stage in this piece, as the functional componenets are set into the design, such as the key to the casket which is inlayed in direct geomtric acordance with the arch ways above.

The design of this piece is a striking example of Hispano Moresque art, based upon the interior of the Alahambra palace. This is evidenced by the arch ways, pillars and geometric motives, which replicate the standing architecture of the restored islamic palace. This chest would therefore provide a perfect souvenir piece for any who had visited the area.

Toledo workshop damascened jewellery casket -, 19th Century CE - 20 CE 7.6 x 12.7 x 6.3 cm Toledo, Spain (CB.110)

A beautifully ornate Damascened box, originating from a Toledo workshop in the 19th century. This piece features a striking octagonal domed lid, as well as ornately styled feet.

This piece displays a wonderful repeated geometric motif, making use of stars and crosses throughout. This design is something which we often see in islamic art, as a result of the prohibition of iconic depiction in islamic texts and doctrines.

This striking design is heightened by the use of Damascening, a process of inlaying different metals into one another to create a rich and intricate decoration, reminiscent of the ornate tappestries from which the technique gains its name.

Toledo workshop damascened box, 1800 CE - 1900 CE 11.4 x 7.6 cm Toledo, Spain (CB.153)

Damascened rectangular casket with curved lid, the decoration consists of floral and geometric motifs reminiscent of the intricate architectural details of the 19th century restoration of the Alhambra.

The art of Damascening arrived to Toledo directly from Damascus and developed a very important industry around this craft, also known as Toledo Gold. The art of damascene has passed from generation to generation within the same family for centuries, and has become a hallmark of the city.

Toledo workshop gold damascened casket, 19th Century CE - 20th Century CE 8.9 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm Toledo, Spain (CB.95)

A Gold overlaid casket in the style of a chest, standing on four, short legs. The casket features detailed decoration reminiscent of the Alahambra palace, into which its practial functions have been integrated.

This piece features an incredibly detailed depiction of the Islamic palaces interior, from the use of decorated archways to carefully considered perspective inviting the viewer to consider the rooms beyond. The entire casket is also presented to us in a bold gold colour, something which is quintisential in Hispano-Moresque art such as this.

The casket follows the common design hallmarks therefore of many souvenir pieces produced in the city at the time, mimicking the ancient islamic art which was once prominent in the area.

An Alhambra style, gold overlaid, casket (Toledo workshop) 19th century, 1870 BCE - 1900 BCE 11.4 x 7.6 x 6.3 cm Toledo, Spain (MS.1307)

A Toledo style trinket box, featuring a domed lid and four short legs. This piece is finished in a very striking style which is indicative of its production.

utilising a strong contrasting design between the black background and the gold patterned decorations, as well as traditional islamic an-iconic decoration, this piece is a beautiful example of Hispano-Moresque art.

Pieces such as this would be crafted with the burdgeoning practise of european travel in mind, which brought many Europeans into Toledo as a significant stopping point on their way through to Italy and beyond.

Toledo workshop damascened trinket box, 19th Century CE - 20th Century CE 5.1 x 7.6 cm Toledo, Spain (CB.90)

This elaborately decorated minature trinket box is a beautiful example of the work produced by the Toledo workshops of the 19th century. It features a red velvet lining and stands upon beautifully ornate golden legs.

The intricate floral motifs featured on this casket are the result of islamic an-iconic depiction, in which the portrayal of animal and humanistic depictions was banned. As such we are presented with an incredibly delicate and complicated symmetry across the face of this box, in a gold contrast which is incredibly indicative of Hisapno Moresque art.

An Alhambra style, gold overlaid, casket (Toledo workshop) 19th Century 10.2 x 6.3 x 6.3 cm Toledo, Spain (MS.1325)

An Alahambra style gold overlaid letter opener, in the shape of a duelling sword. This minature cutlas ( a type of sword characterised by an exaggerated handguard), is ornately decorated in the traditional style of Hispano Moresque art.

This is particularly apprent on both the hilt and handguard of this piece, which features a great usage of gold as is a quintisential feature of art produced in Toledo from this era. We can also see bold geometric patterns across this piece, something which is again a hallmark of the islamic art which inspired this pieces creation.

This piece would be designed as a perfect souvenir piece for any visiting the Alahambra palace in this era, who wished to bring something home with them. This is something which would only be heightened by the practical nature of a letter opener.

An Alhambra style gold overlaid letter opener in the form of a duelling sword (Toledo workshop), 19th Century CE 24cm (MS.1275)

An Alhambra style gold overlaid letter opener, appearing in the form of a dagger. We can see in this object many of the design elements which are indicative of Hispano Moresque art from this era.

We see for example a great use of repeated patterns across the piece, from the hilt of the dagger to its sheaf. Utilising a striking contrast which is created by the overlaying of gold upon a black background, the piece is intended to be a perfect souvenir piece for anyone who would be visiting the Toledo region during the 19th century.

We see upon the blade of this dagger an inscription of a name, utilising a niello technique. This piece is therefore entirely representative of the tourist trade which inspired its creation, which would have brought the creator of this object a great deal of business.

An Alhambra style gold overlaid letter opener in the form of a dagger (Toledo workshop) 19th Century 17.8cm (MS.1269)

An Alhambra style gold overlaid letter opener, produced in the Toledo workshop during the 19th Century.

This letter opener, in the form of a dagger, featues intricate patterns and designs, known as an-iconic depiction, something which was of great importance in Islamic art. The patterning is conducted across the entire piece from the ornate sheath, across the balde and to the hilt.

This letter opener also features the inscription ‘Toledo’ at the top of its blade, a proud makers mark from the workshop whih produced it.

An Alhambra style gold overlaid letter opener (Toledo workshop), 19th Century CE 20.3 cm (MS.1256)

A beautiful jewellery box in Alhambra style made in Toledo, Spain. Toledo workshops during the 19th century specialised in the production of objects in Moorish style. These artefacts were very often realised with the technique of Damascening, that is the inlaying different metals into one another —typically, gold or silver are inlaid into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns, much similar to the technique of niello. In this case the decoration features an architectural detail, a mirador: a room projecting from the exterior commanding scenic views of gardens or of the city.

An Alhambra style gold overlaid box (Toledo workshop), 19th Century CE 4.1 x 6.6 cm (GM.0029)

A Toledo Workshop pill box, created in an octagonal design. this piece is crafted with the intention of being sold as a souvenir to the tourists visiting the Alahambra Palace and as such features many of the design elements which we would expect from an object such as this.

We see for example a striking use of repeated geometric designs, which spread across the face of this box. Due to the an-iconic nature of Islamic art, intricate geometric designs such as this became the expected way to express meaning in works such as this. When coupled with the heavy usage of gold, something which was again a quintisential feature of islamic art, we are presented with a piece which would have been greatly attractive to any passing visitors to the region, for whom such designs would have been far removed from that which they were accustomed to.

Octagonal Toledo workshop gold inlaid pill-box 7.6 x 5.1 x 2.5 cm (MS.1263)

A beautiful pin dish in Alhambra style made in Toledo, Spain. Toledo workshops during the 19th century specialised in the production of objects in Moorish style. These artefacts were very often realised with the technique of Damascening, that is the inlaying different metals into one another —typically, gold or silver are inlaid into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns, much similar to the technique of niello. In this case the decoration is skilfully realised with a complex scene beautified through the use of different inlays to create an illusion of depth and transparence.

An Alhambra style, gold inlaid, pin-dish, 19th Century CE 16.5 x 16.5cm (CB.122)

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, prdouced in Toledo during the 19th century. This piece features long, sloping gold handles, which accentuate the elongated neck of the vase, along with stylised architectual motifs.

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, 19th Century CE gold inlaid 17.8cm (CB.117)

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, produced in the 19th century. This was a period in which many visitors would be attracted to the Toledo region and as such objects such as this would be produced as striking souvenir pieces in orer to capitalise.

This vase features a long, elegant design making great use of gold motifs, something which we see in many pieces of Hispano Moresque art. The central motif of a bird amongst flowers in this piece is particuarly beautiful.

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, 19th Century CE gold inlaid 14cm (CB.118)

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, produced in the Toledo region of Spain during the 19th Century.

This vase features striking gold inlays, the result of a gold alloy being added onto the existing vase through a process called niello. This results in a strong contrast between the black colour of the vase and these golden highlights, something we see often in HispanoMoresque art.

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, 19th Century CE gold inlaid 14cm (CB.116)

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase, from the Toledo workshop of the 19th century.

This piece features an elegant, elongated design, and strong floral motifs, which are applied through a process of niello. The floral motif is continued through the entirety of the vessel, in which we see many different arrangements of leaves and petals.

A vase such as this would have been particuarly striking for any visitors to the Toledo region through the 19th century, for whom this piece was produced.

An Alhambra style gold inlaid vase (Toledo workshop), 19th Century height 27 cm (MS.1418)

An ornate decorative vase, produced in the Toledo workshop during the 19th century. This piece features a long, elegant design, with an accentuated handle and body. The piece is also decorated with gold, floral motifs, which are greatly accented by the contrasting black background.

Vases such as this would be created during the great travel era of 19th century, as a desirable souvenir piece for any european travelers to the region.

Damascened interlaced with gold elegant Toledo workshop vase with handle 17.8cm (MS.1293)

An ornamental plate, produced in the Toledo Workshop during the 19th ceentury. This plate features an intricate, repeating design, with the insignia of a double headed eagle in the centre.

This plate is a fine example of the process of damascening, which is the art of inlaying metal upon metal, replicating the rich texture of the tapestries from which the name derives. This process became perfected in Toledo, becoming a hallmark of any pieces originating from this region.

Toledo workshop damascened plate with crest of double headed eagle, 1830- 1910 CE Steel height 25 cm (CB.3474)

A bronze, double handled Hispano-Moresque vase, produced during the 19th century.

This piece features intricate and finely molded decoration in accordance with the islamic principle of an-iconic depiction, which is to say that no humans or animals may appear in islamic works. Instead stories are therefore told through ornaate symbolism such as we see here.

Bronze Hispano-Moresque vase, 19th Century CE bronze 55.9cm (CB.134)

Toledo workshop damascened plate, featuring a central motif of a mother and her children collecting flowers by a river bank. Above them, we see a portrait of a mans face on the rim of the bowl.

The art of Damascening arrived to Toledo directly from Damascus as its name would suggest, from which a very important industry around this craft known as Toledo Gold. since its arrival in the region the craft became perfectted as it was passed through the generations, and has since has become a hallmark of the city.

Toledo workshop damascened plate, 19th Century CE Steel width 30 cm (CB.3475)

A Toledo workshop damascened plate, featuring a central motif based upon the story of Don Quixote, a popular Spanish tale. The scene depicts Don Quixote upon a horse, while his follower, Sancho Panza, knocks upon a door for him.

This scene is presented in avery ornate way in the centre of the dish, through the complicated process of inlaying gold known as Damascening. This prominent use of gold is something which is quintisential to Hispano Moresque art from this era.

Toledo workshop damascened plate with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza Steel width 30 cm (CB.3476)

An Alhambra style gold overlaid miniaturistic plate, Produced in the Toledo workshop during the 19th century.

This plate, which features a central motif of a bird in flight amongst flowers and foliage, is a perfect example of the work of the Toledo workshops during this era. It makes heavy use of golden highlights which are contrasted against the plates black background, the result of a process of overlaying. 123

This ornate and decorative plate would have been produced as a souvenir piece, for visitors to the region during the 19th century period of great travel.

An Alhambra style gold overlaid miniaturistic plate (Toledo workshop), 19th Century CE 10.2 cm (CB.3119)

An ornamental plate, produced in the Toledo Workshop during the 19th ceentury. This plate features an intricate, repeating design, with a striking geometric design in the centre.

This plate is a fine example of the process of damascening, which is the art of inlaying metal upon metal, replicating the rich texture of the tapestries from which the name derives. This process became perfected in Toledo, becoming a hallmark of any pieces originating from this region.

Toledo workshop damascened plate, 19th Century CE width 25 cm (CB.3115)