Anglo-Saxon Gilt Lozenge-Shaped Brooch with complex Diamond Design

Discoid plate with rivet to the rear, chip-carved Style I head motif in profile. 2.8 grams, 13 mm



Ex David Winter collection, Kent, UK. Acquired on the UK art market in 2012. Property of a Kent lady collector.

The majority of a mount bearing dense and enigmatic imagery recalling half-remembered legends which were already ancient when it was made; the obverse packed with a tangled mass of bands of detailed ornament which resolves itself into human (or divine?) figures, each gripping the ankles of the other, their bodies inverted and contorted in the classic Style I chip-carved fashion; the centre with a round cell, into which a flat-cut glass cloison is set, polished to reflect the light and to shimmer with blood-red brilliance. 9.08 grams, 32 mm

Fine condition. Unique.

Found Wiltshire, UK. Wiltshire gentleman, 2011. TimeLine Originals, 2000s. Property of an East Anglia gentleman. Accompanied by a report by Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist S. Pollington. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10381-168115.

Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist Stephen Pollington writes: '...the scene presented may illustrate a legend or myth of which no record survives. That said, the execution of the piece is consistent with high-status Anglo-Saxon metalwork of the 6th century, and the quality of the gilding is remarkably high. The iconography is at present unique but entirely within the Anglo-Saxon tradition.'

Displaying incised scroll decoration to the arms and pyramidal faces; four attachment lugs to the reverse. 7.1 grams, 21 mm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2016. Ex property of an American collector.