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LOT 0301
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (70 grams, 86 mm).
The headplate engraved with an ithyphallic penis at the centre enclosed within concentric geometric borders, three domed studs to the perimeter; the penis motif repeated in smaller plate forming part of the tongue, oval-shaped buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; remains of tinning; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse; repaired.
Provenancewith Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152.
Private collection, Europe.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.191.223, for an example dated circa 600 A.D.
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LOT 0301
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
The headplate engraved with an ithyphallic penis at the centre enclosed within concentric geometric borders, three domed studs to the perimeter; the penis motif repeated in smaller plate forming part of the tongue, oval-shaped buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; remains of tinning; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse; repaired. 70 grams, 86 mm
with Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152. Private collection, Europe. -
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Buckle with Eagle-Headed Plate
Late 6th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,350
Comprising a domed loop with running spiral ornament to the outer face; tongue with ribbed panel to the rear, beast-head finial curved over the forward edge; plate with square panel, cell to each corner and one to the centre with inset cabochon garnets, profile eagle-head to the rear edge with cabochon garnet eye. 105 grams, 13.3 cm
Fine condition.
Previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000. From an East London collection. Property of an important West London collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11885-206926. -
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Brooch
Late 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with running-scroll motif and five radiating balustered knops, the median one with an applied cell and inset garnet cabochon; short bow with median rib and tiered junction to the lozengiform footplate with running scroll motifs and cabochon garnets at the angles; lateral pierced triangular panels with cabochon garnets below and a beast-head finial; pin-lugs, spring, pin and catch to the reverse. 28 grams, 11 cm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
The pierced triangular element above the finial was probably intended to represent two animals with heads bent down, the garnet cabochons forming the eyes; this is more clearly shown on the example from Ravenna (VIII.6.2).
