A piriform crystal enclosed in a cage of gold straps, each with a median ropework band; loops to the upper and lower ends and to the equator of each band; the crystal polished to a transparent finish on one face, translucent to the reverse.

PROVENANCE:
From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Hammond B. M. British Artefacts vol.1 - Early Anglo-Saxon, Witham, 2009, item 1.6.4-1.

FOOTNOTES:
A superb example of the highest skill of ancient goldsmiths and lapidaries: The matte reverse face of the stone gives great depth to the transparent obverse face; the cagework is expertly executed to avoid chipping or fracturing the brittle rock crystal stone.