High-Status Scandinavian Viking Silver Snarling Dragon Mount

9TH CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (2 1/4 in.) (7 grams, 23 mm (21 grams total, 57mm including stand)).

Featuring a chip-carved knotted scheme between scrolling flanks, dragon’s head terminal with upturned nostrils and snarling mouth revealing two rows of vicious teeth; flat back with three studs for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand.

Provenance

Previously in a North European collection.
Ex UK collection.
Nigel Mills, East London, UK.
Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Williams, G. edn., Vikings life and legends, The British Museum, London, 2014, p.24, for two animal heads of comparable form.

Footnotes

Animal heads of this size were often used to make mounts or small weights. They often had insertions of precious stones in the eyes and cavities, and were made of gold, silver, lead, and gilded bronze. The Norse mythological bestiary was varied, and dragon heads were common. Perhaps this head represents the world serpent, Jǫrmungandr, son of Loki and destined to die at the hands of Thor in Ragnarok, in turn killing the god with his poisonous exhalations.

CONDITION

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LOT 1668