French antique pendant a so-called Caduceus or staff of Hermes the Greek god of trade

Antique jewelry object group: pendant

Condition: good condition
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Country of origin: Most probably France

Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
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Period: ca. 1870
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Source of inspiration: Mythology

Theme: Caduceus (see explanation further in text)

Material: Silver, guilded silver and 18K gold
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Extra information: Caduceus - The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology.

Some accounts suggest that the oldest known imagery of the caduceus have their roots in a Mesopotamian origin with the Sumerian god Ningishzida whose symbol, a staff with two snakes intertwined around it, dates back to 4000 B.C. to 3000 B.C.

As a symbolic object, it represents Hermes (or the Roman Mercury), and by extension trades, occupations, or undertakings associated with the god. In later Antiquity, the caduceus provided the basis for the astrological symbol representing the planet Mercury. Thus, through its use in astrology, alchemy, and astronomy it has come to denote the planet and elemental metal of the same name. It is said the wand would wake the sleeping and send the awake to sleep. If applied to the dying, their death was gentle; if applied to the dead, they returned to life.

By extension of its association with Mercury and Hermes, the caduceus is also a recognized symbol of commerce and negotiation, two realms in which balanced exchange and reciprocity are recognized as ideals. This association is ancient, and consistent from the Classical period to modern times. The caduceus is also used as a symbol representing printing, again by extension of the attributes of Mercury (in this case associated with writing and eloquence).

The caduceus is often incorrectly used as a symbol of healthcare organizations and medical practice, particularly in North America, due to confusion with the traditional medical symbol, the Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake and is never depicted with wings. (From: Wikipedia) light greenish brownish agate

Hallmarks: Illegible remains of what appear to be French hallmarks
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Dimensions: height 4,60 cm (1,81 inch)

Weight: 2,80 gram (1,80 dwt)

Reference Nº: 18124-0098

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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