Vintage Costume – Toledo Damascene Flower and Bird in Flight Pendant. $27.00

This piece has a wonderful renaissance style design with flowing leaves and flower. A delicate bird in flight is at the center of the scene.

Material:gold tone base metal
Circa: 1960’s
Country of origin: Spain
Size: 1 7/8in by 1 1/8in

What is Damascene? and how is this piece different than luxury gold Damascene? just read -

Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals in an oxidized base. So famous for it’s intricate designs and fine patterns resembling damask silk that Spain and other countries developed a engraving technique to make an affordable alternative.

How is this (Toledo) Damascene different than the gold?

An artisan covers the surface of an object with fine grooves, using sharp cutting tools(engraving). Figures are then drawn on the scored surfaces. In this version more lightly than in the gold inlaid Damascene. Then instead of gold and silver being hammered into the groves it is gold gilt. The whole item is then blued to produce a black background by oxidizing of the surfaces which are not damasked. A sheen is given to the item. Finally, the piece is mounted.

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