MEDIEVAL

A gilded and enamelled copper-alloy Limoges-style book fitting or book clasp of Medieval date (c.1150-1300 AD). The object is a strap end with a loop at the closed end, and was probably attached to a strap on a book cover.The plate is sub-rectangular, tapering to a point at the closed end. Terminating the closed end is a circular loop which is at ninety degrees to the plane of the plate. In the triangular area at this end of the plate is a hole, now worn into an oval shape. This triangular area is decrated with diagonal grooves which were originally gilded. The main body of the plate is a square panel. It has a border of small squares delineated by grooves (ladder pattern) which contain gilding. The square panel has enamelled decoration; in the centre is a red dot, surrounded by a dark blue border, within a lozenge shape of light blue enamel. The edge of the lozenge is bare metal. The lozenge is within the square panel which also has a reserved bare metal border. The corners of the square panel are filled with a red dot in the centre of each edge of the lozenge, with a band of light blue enamel around, and then dark blue enamel. The other end of the plate is a rectangular panel. Tw