LOT 0304

Hiberno-Saxon Gilt Bird-Headed Finial

6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

1 1/2 in. (2 3/4 in.) (26.12 grams, 38 mm (43.6 grams total, 71 mm including stand)).

A zoomorphic mount with enigmatic zoomorphic ornament, ellipsoid in section with hollow rear and slot, holes for attachment curved end; the rear of the body formed with transverse twisted ribs above two panels of fine parallel lines parted at the median with D-shaped lugs projecting above; below, beneath the lateral slot, horizontal ribs and balusters with scooped edge and two holes for attachment, the scooped finial with two impressed sockets forming a beast-head; above, the forward end of the shank forming a curved beak with lateral recesses; socket eyes above, one with glass fill; mounted on a custom-made stand.

with ArtAncient Ltd.
Private collection, London, UK.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12438-226862.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

See Youngs, S. (ed.), The Work of Angels. Masterpieces of Celtic Metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD, London, 1989.

The item is enigmatic and intriguing. In many respects it resembles a drinking horn finial, particularly the class of such items found in Irish and Hiberno-Saxon contexts (Youngs, items 53, 54). However, the profile of the hollow rear is elliptical rather than circular, and the lateral slots are clearly intended to accept some form of projection. The most likely interpretation is that the piece was custom-made to fit a drinking horn with carved and reserved ornament, part of which would fit into the slots. The form of the piece is superficially that of an eagle or raven-head with sturdy raptor's beak. However, behind the head are placed two small projecting ears and the sides bear a long mane, both reminiscent of a horse. Other interpretations include such elements as a boar, a caterpillar, and a rat. It seems likely that the animal is a hybrid of a mammal and bird of prey: in this case, it must be a gryphon and was possibly inspired by classical forms.