Large Dark Age Silver Cicada Brooch

Formed in the shape of a stylised horse’s head, or as a tongue-shaped buckle plate with decorative moulded panels, the moulded panels enlivened with a finely detailed incised scroll motif and bordered with beading; four complete and one partially damaged vertical loops on the reverse, along with one surviving vertical loop on the end; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 148 grams total, 14.5 cm high including stand



UK collection, acquired 1970s-1990s.

Comprising a bronze backing plate with three attachment loops and cellwork to the obverse including inlaid garnet cloisons to the neck and body, with a cabochon at the centre of the chest and domed rivet-heads corresponding to the loops on the reverse. 35.29 grams, 68 mm



Important Medieval works of art from the collection of the late Ernst Boehlen, Adolphe Stoclet (1871-1949), Palais Stoclet, Brussels, acquired in 1931; thence by descent. Sotheby's London, 3 July 2018, no.1. Acquired by Dr Ernst Boehlen, Bern. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13475-262837.

The style of the piece is Visigothic; possibly a saddle applique, similar to the examples found at Apahida in Romania from the 5th century.

With a thick penannular loop and polyhedral finial set with twelve garnet cloisons, some detached. 6.36 grams, 34 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.