Today very rare, this piece was acquired by the Museum for its spectacular 'Australian flora in applied art ' exhibition of approximately 200 decorative arts objects both Australian made and commissioned overseas, predominantly in England, for the Australian market. The exhibition opened in 1906 and continued, with new objects being added throughout its duration, until the 1930s. This exhibition travelled to San Francisco as the Australian entrant in the Pacific International Exposition of 1915. As well as depicting Australian native flowers, it is an example of the Art Nouveau style which enjoyed great popularity in Australia.

Belt buckle, enamelled, silver gilt, Art Nouveau style, native iris design, Europe, c 1910, retailed by Flavelle Bros Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1912

Decorative openwork belt buckle in two parts, made from 800 gilt silver and decorated with champleve and limoges enamel. Each part carries three-petaled native Australian iris, limoges enamelled in lavender colour over pale blue on white surrounded by open border of green stems and two buds in round-cornered square arrangements. Each part is slightly convex with counter enamel on the backs.

Made: 1905 - 1915

stamped onto clasp: SILVERGILT 800

A1444

1905 - 1915

44 mm

85 mm