19th-century Austrian silver bridal crown « Silberkranz »

Description

This Austrian bridal crown, known as a « Silberkranz », dates to the 19th century. Crafted in repoussé, pierced and chased silver, it unfolds in a naturalistic interlacing of branches, finely veined leaves, berries and blossoming flowers with clearly defined stamens. The decoration evokes the traditional symbolism of myrtle and orange blossom. Flexible, the framework is composed of fitted and assembled stems, ending in rings intended to secure the crown in a formal hairstyle. The delicacy of the pierced and stamped elements is enhanced by a nuanced old patina; natural oxidation in the recesses emphasises the modelling of the reliefs.