BOOK CLASP Limoges, 13th century. Cast copper, hammered, chased, and gilt. The left and right wings depict the Annunciation, surrounded by vases and flowers and a serrated, openwork border. Centerpiece set with gemstones and glass cabochons (partly incomplete). 14 × 17.5 cm. Gilding rubbed. Small chips, scratches, and dents. Provenance: - Jacques Desamais Auction, Michel Coquenpot Collection, Avignon, March 30, 2003, lot 6. - Private collection, Suisse romande. Clasps of this type exist both as coat clasps and book clasps. They are used either to fasten liturgical vestments or to close valuable books. The middle segment of the example on offer identifies it as a book clasp. Two comparable examples or fragments of cloak clasps are in the MET (inv. nos. 17.190.799 and 1999.520). Similar clasps were also adapted for secular use, where they served as clasps for royal cloaks, like in a c lasp depicting the Apostles and the coats of arms of Castile-León and England, probably for Eleanor of Castile (died 1290) or her husband, King Edward I of England (died 1307) in the Walters Art Museum (inv. no. 53.49). Another example from the former Figdor Collection is also very similar to the clasp on offer (Paul Cassirer auction: Dr. Albert Figdor Collection. Vol. 1. Vienna 1930, lot 377).