Ornamental fastening for a mente

Two rosette-shaped brooches of equal size, which can be linked by a chain. Compartments formed from sheet silver are soldered to their outer surfaces and filled with coloured enamel. The raised central sections are set with garnets. Their design evokes the petals of a flower.

The mente fastening served to join the front panels of the mente, an outer coat made of broadcloth or, in aristocratic dress, of velvet and fur-trimmed fabric. It was worn by both men and women, which is reflected in the characteristically masculine and feminine styles of decoration found on mente fastenings. In winter, the mente was worn as a coat; in summer, as part of ceremonial dress, it was draped loosely over the shoulders. In the latter case, a mente fastening or chain was used to hold it securely in place.

Provenance

Ipolyi-gyűjtemény