1870s Assyrian Revival Bracelet

An unusual and very striking 19th century Assyrian Revival bracelet with Lammasu in the center and winged Genies on either side. The imagery might be mistaken for Egyptian Revival, which was much more popular in the 19th century. But archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Nimrud in the 1840s also influenced European designers and architects. The imagery here of Assyrian deities is almost identical to some of the motifs found at Nimrud. The site was destroyed by ISIS in March of 2015. The bracelet was beautifully made in 14K gold with a bloomed surface (a process of burning off alloy metals on the surface to leave a higher karat gold surface). The decorated front half of the bracelet is in beautiful condition, with the original bloom intact and a lovely patina. The back half lacks the original bloomed surface-- probably because a jeweler attempted to remove dents. Hinges open and clasps securely.