The Arbëresh Brezi that we propose is considered very rare and depicts San Demetrio Megalomartire, former Patron of Piana dei Greci.
Its manufacturing is elegant and attributable to the "cintari mastery" of Palermo in the 19th century. It has no hallmarking as it might have been in use.
The workmanship of the shield is very elegant and refined. The main figure of Saint Demetrius is moved to the right, leaving the basin of the shield visible which in the center focuses on a triangle from which lines radiate outwards.
The shield is embellished with chiseled decorations and festoons which culminate at the top with two putti holding the crown.
The Brezi is a solid silver belt made up of perforated plates, which can sometimes have gilding, which are connected together by slender cylindrical hinges that allow them to be articulated. The two ends of the belt attach to a central element which acts as a buckle but which is in fact a plate made differently from the previous ones and of much larger dimensions which is often called a shield.
The origins of Brezi are remote and its use was widespread in various Mediterranean and Middle Eastern populations. Usually the increasingly larger buckle or shield was flat and could be perforated, chiseled or with applications. In the world that is under Islamic influence, the buckle always presents references to the spousal bond with the presence of the central "butterfly knot". Differently, in the world that is under Christian influence there are almost always references to hagio-iconographical devotional figures.
The Brezi began to appear in Sicilian manufacturing as early as the 15th century. and has a rapid diffusion.
It was adopted in the 18th century as a fundamental accessory of the traditional female costume of Piana degli Albanesi, so much so that it was its most identifying element as well as the symbol of the renewing lineage.
In the Piana degli Albanesi tradition, Brezi is given by a man to his fiancée before marriage and becomes a family heritage that is passed down from generation to generation.
The Arbëresh Brezi, in consideration of its high religious and artistic value, represents a precious heritage to be passed down in the family or to be included in a collection. For this reason it is accompanied by a detailed photographic certificate of authenticity which certifies its origin and originality.
The shipment is taken care of down to the smallest details and with maximum protection, using only couriers specialized in the movement of works of art.
For more detailed information you can write to info@visitpiana.com
Brezi San Demetrio Piana degli Albanesi
Brezi in solid silver with Saint Demetrius Megamartyr
Period: 19th century
Hallmarking: not present
Total weight: 980g.
Belt length (excluding shield): 76 cm.
Shield measurements: 17.50 x 11 cm.
Provenance: private collection
Photo: © visitpiana.com all rights reserved
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