Antique Belt from Transylvania, ca. 1720

This magnificent antique women’s belt, dating to circa 1720, is a rare and opulent example of Transylvanian festive costume, reflecting the rich stylistic fusion of German and Hungarian traditions. Crafted from velvet and brocade, the belt features eleven round buchteln (or roses), each framed by Gothic-style leaves and adorned with red or green glass stones, showcasing the region’s love for precious materials and ornamental detail.

The centerpiece is a heavy Baroque clasp, intricately decorated with Augustan tendrils, which fastens securely with a ring closure - a design both functional and ceremonial. Measuring approx. 89 cm in length (including the ring), the belt is in very good condition for its age, with one socket/rose missing, a minor flaw that does not detract from its overall grandeur.

This rare 18th-century Transylvanian belt is ideal for collectors of ethnographic jewelry, historical costume, or museum-quality accessories, offering a vivid glimpse into the cultural identity and artisanal mastery of one of Eastern Europe’s most storied regions.