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Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch

$1,150.00

Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch

$1,150.00

Description

DATE: Georgian, c.1820

A beautiful Georgian Ouroboros mourning brooch, with beautifully textured serpent bordering a glass locket compartment with woven lock of hair inside. The dedication to the reverse is made out to P.J., and it dates from the early 19th century, circa 1820 - crafted in rose gold throughout.

The Ouroboros, or "tail devourer", is a potent symbol found in many cultures going back as far as history records. It represents introspection, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of things, the oldest known example appeared on a golden shrine found in the tomb of Tutankhamen (13th century BC); it first entered the western tradition through the Papyri Graecae Magicae (Greek Magical Papyri) sometime between 100BC and 400AD. The Egyptians understood time not in the current linear fashion, but as a series of repeating loops or cycles, constantly evolving, and likely inspired by the flooding of the Nile. It has significance to the Gnostics, where opposing ends of the snake were interpreted as the earthly and divine in man, existing in union despite appearing to be irreconcilable. Also found in Hindu, Norse, Roman, Mesoamerican cultures, as well as having had a resurgence among Renaissance alchemists who's ultimate goal of immortality meant breaking the never-ending cycle of the Ouroboros, Once and for all

MEASUREMENTS 

2.8 x 2.2cm

WEIGHT 

5.5g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Very good

Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch Georgian Ouroboros Locket Brooch