It's no secret I am in awe of Turkish metalsmiths - they are some of the finest in the world. The country also has a long, long history of jewelry making, stretching back thousands of years.
I featured beautiful Turkish kazaziye jewelry before when I wrote about Asli Cavusoglu's MoyoniJewelry. These are not just merely braided or woven wire. The working "cords" are actually made up of very thin wire wound round a core of silk or nylon thread! The core is about the diameter of an average strand of hair. All totally handmade.
Asli explained the art of Kazaziye was inherited from the Lydians who ruled the Anatolia, now in modern Turkey, from 1200 BC to 546 BC. No one knows for sure but it is thought the Lydians came up with this technique even earlier - 2800 years ago in Mesopotamia.
Look carefully. You can see the exquisitely made woven end caps.
Lovely examples of braiding and knotting like the sailor's knot (sometimes called Turk's head knot). I was also intrigued with the Viking knit used in many of the designs. That technique was developed by the Vikings. It's very likely the Turkish metalsmiths learned from Vikings.
We tend to think of Vikings in terms of their raids in Western Europe especially to the British Isles. However, some did venture far into Eastern Europe establishing settlements and trade. These Vikings were called "Rus" - probably from a Finnish word "routsi" for Swedes who were oarsmen. This is the origin of the name, Russia. In 860 AD, the Rus attacked Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the then Byzantine Empire. The Rus and the Byzantines eventually settled on a trade agreement. (Reference : Globetrotting Vikings : The Quest for Constantinople).
Asli also has a textile shop called MoyoniTextiles.
Giveaway
If you'd like to win $50 towards amazing Kazaziye jewelry your choice from MoyoniJewelry, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, October 11, 2021. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, October 11, 2021. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Before You Go:
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
The braiding and designs are stunning in their simplicity.The designs are timeless. I would love to own one of these Kazaziye pieces. Christine O. (cmcoconatgmaildotcom)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the gift certificate, but if I don't, suffice it to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the videos on the process. The technique is captivating and worth watching to the very end.
ReplyDeleteWhat a phenomenal artist! Such talent! 😍
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interesting history of this amazing art! Beautiful! maryredman144@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the detail. These are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteincredible art! I love these! Thanks for sharing. Blog and Facebook follower. auravisionrose@peoplepc.com
ReplyDeleteH Rose Drummond
Thank you for this giveaway !
ReplyDeletevoltzia@gmail.com
These Turkish techniques are amazing. As is your website! Thanks for the daily inspiration. Brigid F (apricotdotflameatgmaildotcom)
ReplyDeleteI have always been fascinated by this work. So intricate and amazing workmanship.
ReplyDeleteYou always bring us such interesting articles that I look forward to reading.
I would love to win this giveaway.
BeaderJean@aol.com
Having been to Turkey and witnessing first hand the amazing workmanship of these artisans, I can agree their attention to detail is second to none. The history behind these techniques and the symbolism represented by the designs are fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. Thankyou for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDiane.
Wow, those are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteelvetter01 @ gmail.com
I'd question anyone who - didn't - want to win anything related to this art form! What gorgeous work!
ReplyDeleteMeticulous detail in this beautiful work. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteDoinDigital@gmail.com
I love everything about this jewelry. I had not ever seen it before and would love to have a piece. I have made some Viking Knit items but I do not seem to have what it takes to work with wire.
ReplyDeleteI have not looked yet but expect it is way out of my price range. Going on my wish list.
Thanks for offering a chance to win this beautiful work. - langerfeld at twc dot com
ReplyDeleteThis is exquisite! I would love to wear these beautiful pieces! amandam@pobox.com
ReplyDeleteThese designs are stunning. I too, am in awe. This was very educational. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful jewelry I love this bracelet
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/804695677/silver-braided-bracelet-for-women?ref=shop_home_active_23&pro=1&frs=1
Thanks for the chance to win.
sally0630@yahoo.com
I'm an email subscriber
ReplyDeletesally0630@yahoo.com
pinterest.com/sally0630
What lovely intricate designs, I’m intrigued by each one. You always have the best finds Pearl! I’m an email subscriber and blog follower, retro-grrl@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWow to win a $50 discount makes my. Favorite affordable. Do they come sized? Or in different sizes? I do have a tiny wrist.
ReplyDeleteMadeline
Mread@verizon.net