Eleven piece parure 1870 - 1880

This eleven-piece parure was crafted by Hunt & Roskell in the late 19th century. Intricately designed, the set incorporates potent symbols, most notably the cross, adorned with delicate fan motifs, rendered in black and gold. The cross, a universal emblem of sacrifice, redemption, and faith, appears here not merely as a religious symbol but as a cultural artifact, echoing its presence in various forms across civilizations. Think of the ankh in ancient Egypt, a symbol of life, or the solar cross found in numerous pre-Christian cultures. In this parure, its form is softened, intertwined with the fan, suggesting a confluence of the sacred and the worldly. The fan, traditionally associated with feminine grace and cultural refinement, brings another layer of complexity. It also embodies a subtle gesture of concealment, a playful nod to the art of veiled communication. This mirrors the way images in our collective memory often obscure as much as they reveal, engaging us in a perpetual dance of discovery and interpretation. The emotional power of such symbols lies in their ability to tap into our deepest subconscious layers, evoking ancestral memories and stirring emotions that transcend time.