Anglo-Saxon Bronze Zoomorphic Strap End

9TH CENTURY A.D.

1 1/2 in. (8.44 grams, 37 mm).

Split along the upper edge of the plate; two slight flared lobes below the piercings for the attachment rivets; central panel ornamented with a length of tight interlaced knotwork and a zoomorphic terminal with triangular ears, bulbous eyes and a ribbed square snout. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Found Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.

Literature

Cf. Webster, L & Backhouse, J., The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, p.98, fig.69n.

Footnotes

Both the interlace and the animal-head are drawn from the 7th-8th century manuscript tradition. This is a standard 9th century typology, seeming a nice version of the Trewhiddle style, closely allied to the early 9th century 'Tiberius' group of manuscripts, characterised by exuberant animals which are the descendants of the winged creatures and other sprightly beasts common in 8th century metalworks.

CONDITION

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LOT 1487