Tanagraia Greek Cupid Repoussé Silver Medallion Pendant
Jewelry (Pendant / Medallion) · Tanagraia (Greek: ̴̑ΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ), a Greek workshop known for traditional hand-crafted silver and copper items, often specializing in folk art and classical motifs.
Pattern: Cupid/Eros Classical Motif; part of the ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ (Tanagraia Handmade) collection.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant / Medallion)
Maker
Tanagraia (Greek: ̴̑ΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ), a Greek workshop known for traditional hand-crafted silver and copper items, often specializing in folk art and classical motifs.
Material
Likely low-grade silver (800 fineness) or silver-plated copper/brass. The greenish-yellow oxidation on the raised Cupid figure and the rim suggests a base metal of copper or brass under a silver wash or plating.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 30-35mm (approx. 1.25 inches). Estimated weight 8-12 grams. Representative of standard souvenir or folk-art medallions.
Description
A circular medallion featuring the classical figure of Cupid in flight, bow drawn. The piece is rendered in a folk-art style with prominent Greek lettering. While it mimics the aesthetic of Greek coinage or ancient talismans, it is a modern decorative piece from the Tanagraia workshop.
Key Features
Bold Greek lettering; relief Cupid figure; integral loop; 'Tanagraia ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ' mark which signifies the specific manufacturer/artisan group.
Material & Composition
Likely low-grade silver (800 fineness) or silver-plated copper/brass. The greenish-yellow oxidation on the raised Cupid figure and the rim suggests a base metal of copper or brass under a silver wash or plating.
Finish & Decoration
The item features a raised repoussé design of Cupid (Eros) with a bow. It has a matte, slightly oxidized finish with relief lettering around the border in Greek Greek (̴̑ΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No official assay hallmarks are visible in the photo. The medallion is stamped/cast with the text '̴̑ΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ' (̴̑ΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ Workshop ̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ / Handmade). Purity marks like '800' or '925' may be on the reverse if silver content exists.
Construction Details
Die-struck or cast from a mold. The integrate loop at the top is part of the original cast, not a soldered bale. The texture shows characteristic pitting common in souvenir-grade cast items.
Functional Features
Single integral suspension loop for a chain or leather cord. Designed as a wearable charm or a decorative fob.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; however, the suspension loop shows some wear from friction against a previous jump ring.
Craftsmanship Details
Moderate quality. The relief is clear but lacks the fine chasing of high-end silversmithing. It displays the 'hand-finished' look popular in Greek folk boutiques.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the word '̴̑ΕΙΑΑΓ̑ΑΙΑ' (Handmade) is a common mark for Greek silver-plated or solid silver giftware intended for tourists and the local market in the mid-20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Greece, likely Athens or the Tanagra region. Tanagraia is a brand associated with Greek handicraft traditions mimicking ancient Greek designs.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Modern Greek Folk Art revival).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990. The style of the Greek typography and the wear pattern suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century souvenir or gift shop item.
Cultural Significance
Represents the tourism-driven 'Neo-Hellenic' craft movement in Greece, where ancient motifs were repurposed for modern accessories, capitalizing on the romanticization of Greek mythology.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish and surface oxidation. The yellowish patches indicate the silver plating is thinning (wear-through) or that it is a low-purity silver alloy with high copper content. Surface scratches consistent with age.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD. Value is largely sentimental or decorative unless the reverse contains a '925' mark indicating solid sterling silver, which would raise it to the high end of that range.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water using a soft toothbrush. Avoid aggressive chemical dips as they may remove the intentional oxidation in the recessed areas (patina) or further damage the thin silver plating if it is not solid sterling.
Similar Pieces
Greek 'Drakma' coin jewelry; Lalaounis silver jewelry (which is higher end and usually 18k gold or 925 silver); generic Greek 'Evil Eye' or 'Meander' medallions.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Tanagraia' refers to the ancient city of Tanagra, famous for its terracotta 'Tanagra figurines.' Modern workshops use this name to evoke a sense of heritage and connection to ancient Greek artisanry.