½
Bulgarian

Composition of the treasure

c
Manufacturing technique and decoration style
Inscriptions
Figural representations
Objects
Manufacturing technique and decoration style
Inscriptions
Figural representations
Objects
v
The seven vessels with the so-called rod-shaped decoration (Stäbchenrankendekor)

Manufacturing technique and decoration style

All the vessels were hammered and the decoration was carefully manufactured in repoussé and chasing technique. The production technique used for the jugs was specific: all seven of them were drawn out, i.e. the whole body was hammered from a single sheet, without using any soldering seams. Due to the thorough research on manufacturing and decorating techniques and the analysis of composition of gold alloys and solders tools and workshops are identified.

Certain stylistic features differentiate the vessels into three main groups: Group I includes cups Nos. 11 and 12, two goblets Nos. 22 and 23 and a drinking horn No. 17. The jugs precisely decorated with tendrils and palmette patterns of naturalistic forms belong to Group II, whereas Group III is presented by the objects decorated in “rod-shaped” style (bowls Nos. 13-16, 20 and 21, as well as bowl No. 19). The seven vessels with decoration in “rod-shaped” style (Stäbchenranken) must have been made in the same workshop. There is a high degree of similarity between bowl No. 19 and No. 21. It was ascertained, however, that bowls Nos. 13 and 14 were made by different craftsmen.

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