Assyrian-inspired Archaeological Revival Parure

A silver-gilt Archaeological Revival parure, 19th century, composed of a broad hinged bangle with applied Assyrian figures, each within wire rectangular borders, together with an oval pendant with applied single Assyrian figure, with bow suspension and tear-shaped drop, glazed compartment to the reverse, a pair of matching earrings, and an oval brooch with two Assyrian figures, engraved detail, with French assay marks, in a fitted case, bangle inner circumference 16.5 cm, brooch length 8.5 cm, earring length 7.5 cm, brooch 5.5 cm x 4.5 cm . The inspiration for this type of jewellery comes from two stone reliefs of the ninth century B.C. from the throne room of Ashurnasirpal in the great palace at Nimrud, discovered by Sir Austin Henry Layard. These were displayed at the British Museum in the 1840's. Line drawings of the scenes on the reliefs were published in 1849. For further information see H. Tate, The Art of the Jeweller, A catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum, London, 1984. Vol.I, p.145 - 146