Brezi very high relief in the round. - .800 silver, .999 (24 kt) gold - Italy - Second half 19th century

“Arbëresh Brezi” top quality item with an all-round high-relief in 24 kt gold and 800 silver. Valuable masterpiece by a Sicilian goldsmith of Piana Degli Albanesi. From mid-19th century. The “Arbëresh Brezi” is the traditional belt of Piana Degli Albanesi, a small city in the Palermo district. The city is located on a mountainous plateau and on the eastern side of the imposing Mount Pizzuta, and is 24 km far from Palermo. Arbëresh means ‘offspring’; the Brezi is given as a gift to the bride during the wedding day: it’s an auspicious symbol of fertility, following a longstanding tradition. It was worn by the bride over her precious wedding dress (embroidered with real gold thread) and blessed during the wedding rite. This belt is made up of 11 large sized plaques in solid silver 800, all finely handmade with a casting technique and richly decorated with scrolls and cherubs. The belt also shows a large sized central medallion depicting a shrine. The shrine shows St. George on horseback killing the dragon, surrounded by 4 jubilant and joyful angels. On top, the shrine is embellished with the God’s face and two cherubs holding up a crown, symbol of the divine power and sovereignty over evil. The “Brezi” is a gift passed down from mother to daughter, i. e. passed down in a family for generations as a symbol of fertility e protection from evil. This “Brezi” is a real masterpiece in gold and solid silver and a rare, top quality piece. Made of thick and heavy solid silver, The golden parts are not in gold-plated metal, but are really covered with pure gold. Preserved in perfect condition, flawless, without damages or shortages. Already professionally cleaned up. Sacred, authentic and very rare collector’s item. Extremely rare and sough after item that can be found in many museums, such as the Cathedral of Monreale museum, the Cathedral of Palermo museum and the Vatican Museums. Dimensions: length 78 cm, height 5. 5 cm Main decoration dimensions: height 16. 5 cm, width 14 cm Overall dimensions (closed) : 90 cm Overall weight: 1200 grams. Worldwide tracked shipping via Packlink PRO express courier.