About this lot

Description

A Georgian snake lace pin together with a vintage green paste hoop brooch, the first of oval outline with a shaped glazed panel (vacant) around which the snake is curled grasping its tail with mouth, closed back setting, in fitted miniature red morocco case, rose metal tests for 15ct gold, with yellow snake which tests for 18ct gold, length 3.2cm; the second a uniform hoop of oval cut emerald green pastes crimp collet set in white metal, tests for silver, diameter 3.2cm (2)
Other Notes: The image of a snake, serpent or dragon grasping its own tail has symbolic meaning as far back as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks (who gave it the name Ouroboros meaning tail-eater), Aztecs, Chinese, Norse, and on through gnostics, alchemists and Renaissance artists up to the Victorians who were so fond of such symbolic messaging. The meaning encompasses eternity - the never-ending cycle of life, birth and death - sometimes the sun and cycle of the heavens, sometimes undying love.

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