- Description
- Specifications
A wonderful memorial sepia ring from the late 18th century, Neoclassical era (c1785!) The navette shaped mourning 'sorrow' scene depicts a classically draped woman swooning against a plinth in a posture of sadness. The words "THO (with small S atop) ASKHAM DIED MARCH 3 1785 AE 72" are written in black on the plinth. Possibly the husband or father of the mourner. An urn rests at the top of the plinth. Flanking to the left side of the scene is a weeping willow tree, the leafs of the willow drape over the woman, plinth and urn, like an arch and almost framing the scene. The scene is hand painted in light to darker brown hue's, and upon close up view there appears to have small pieces of 'crushed' hair mixed into the paint. Hair of the deceased used in mourning sepia scenes was not uncommon for this era, it gave greater sentimentality and made the mourner feel closer to their dearly departed one.
The scene is painted on ivory and a rock crystal (colorless quartz) covers and protects the top of the miniature.
A fine bezel frame encases the miniature, along with a wider engraved border. The closed-back is smooth with a gentle curve, a characteristic of Georgian rings which seem to fit low and snug... like a glove! A narrow high profile shank measuring 1.70mm wide makes up the rest of the ring. Finger size measures M (Aus) 6 1/2 (USA).
Typical of the age and style ring, no hallmarks, or stamps are present to the ring. Tests indicate 9ct gold - the colour is a charming antiquity rose gold.
A very collectible and extremely wearable piece of Georgian history, steeped with sentiment!