LOT 0878

Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Casket Appliqué

9TH CENTURY AD

5" (80 grams, 12.5cm).

A flat-section cast plaque with pierced discoid lobe to each angle, pierced centre; the surface divided by radiating ropework lines and concentric rings into ornamental panels, the central four with mono-linear interlace, the outer group with alternating Trewhiddle Style regardant beasts and scrolled tendrils, interlace above each pierced lobe; the outer border with ropework and hatched ornament.

Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s.

Cf. Wilson, D.M. Catalogue of the Antiquities of the Later Saxon Period, vol. 1, Anglo-Saxon Ornamental Metalwork 700-1100 in the British Museum, London, 1964, item 107; Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, items 107(a), 184, 187. The appliqué is substantial and appears to be an ornamental mount from a high-status item, perhaps a casket, shrine or even a book (cf. the Whitby octofoil mounts, also likely to be from a shrine or book), held in place with broad (probably domed) rivets.
There is no overtly Christian iconography in the ornament to suggest an ecclesiastical or liturgical context. The combination of dense, regular interlace and regardant animals is found on many pieces of 9th century Anglo-Saxon art; domed rivets also occur on brooches and other items at this time.