Openwork Belt Fitting

Unknown

600–700 · Bronze, with traces of gilding, Copper alloy; copper alloy with tinned surface · Medieval Art

Openwork plaques were hung from a belt by a strap. Such useful objects as combs, keys, or amulets would then be suspended from the plaque by chains or strings. The patterns on these belt fittings ranged from architectural motifs to human figures to abstract designs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

600–700

Medium

Bronze, with traces of gilding, Copper alloy; copper alloy with tinned surface

Culture

Frankish

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917