The use of all-over interlaced knotwork to fill a circular field is one of the most accomplished expressions of the Celtic decorative tradition, with its roots in the carpet pages of early medieval illuminated manuscripts produced in Scottish and Irish scriptoria. Craftsmen working in these traditions developed systems of interlace capable of filling any given shape with continuous, non-repeating knotwork; each strand passing over and under its neighbours in an unbroken sequence across the entire surface. Translated into silverwork, this approach produces pieces of considerable visual density, where the eye moves continuously across the surface without finding a natural resting point.
This pendant takes the form of a flat circular disc, its entire face covered in a dense field of interlaced plaitwork knotwork. The strands are fine and closely worked, filling the disc from edge to edge with a complex, continuous pattern that includes looping forms and interlocking passages throughout. The outer edge of the disc is defined by a smooth circular border that contains the knotwork cleanly. The surface is finished to a high mirror polish, the raised strands catching light against the recessed negative spaces between them to give the pattern strong definition and depth. A smooth bail connects the pendant above.
At 20mm diameter, it is compact and detailed. 925 sterling silver. Bail fitting.
Product Code: SP2101
The use of all-over interlaced knotwork to fill a circular field is one of the most accomplished expressions of the Celtic decorative tradition, with its roots in the carpet pages of early medieval illuminated manuscripts produced in Scottish and Irish scriptoria. Craftsmen working in these traditions developed systems of interlace capable of filling any given shape with continuous, non-repeating knotwork; each strand passing over and under its neighbours in an unbroken sequence across the entire surface. Translated into silverwork, this approach produces pieces of considerable visual density, where the eye moves continuously across the surface without finding a natural resting point.
This pendant takes the form of a flat circular disc, its entire face covered in a dense field of interlaced plaitwork knotwork. The strands are fine and closely worked, filling the disc from edge to edge with a complex, continuous pattern that includes looping forms and interlocking passages throughout. The outer edge of the disc is defined by a smooth circular border that contains the knotwork cleanly. The surface is finished to a high mirror polish, the raised strands catching light against the recessed negative spaces between them to give the pattern strong definition and depth. A smooth bail connects the pendant above.
At 20mm diameter, it is compact and detailed. 925 sterling silver. Bail fitting.
Product Code: SP2101
