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LOT 0300
Large Pre-Viking Gold Bracteate Medallion with Interlaced Snakes
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (13.04 grams, 61 mm).
Executed using the repoussé technique, depicting interlaced snakes or possibly Jörmungandr, the world serpent; applied suspension loop with repoussé chevrons and pellets, faux ropework border around the whole.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11729-200423.
Cf. Glob., P.V., Danefae, Copenhagen, 1980, no.60; Various, Riflessi di Roma, L’Impero Romano e Barbari del Baltico (Reflections of Rome, the Roman Empire and the Barbarians of the Baltic), Roma, 1992, pp.218ff., no.4 D.
FootnotesThe bracteate belongs to the main type D, showing an image of tetramorphic monsters. Probably here the representation refers to Jörmungandr, the serpent of Midgard, son of Loki and killer of Thor, protagonist of Ragnarok - the downfall of the gods. The art of the bracteate medallions is one of the few contemporary sources for the pre-Christian religion of the Nordic countries. It demonstrates that ancient Germanic mythology, although known from later texts, was built on a tradition dating back to at least the 5th-6th centuries A.D. The function of these medallions was linked to the social position of the wearer in Germanic society.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0300
Large Pre-Viking Gold Bracteate Medallion with Interlaced Snakes
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
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Viking Age Bronze Decorated Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Penannular in form with twisted shank and broad spatulate finials, hatched ornament to outer face. 50 grams, 74 mm
Property of a North West London, UK, gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Viking Bronze Openwork Box Brooch with Silver Detailing
11th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Formed as an openwork outer shell, inner container and bottom plate; the upper face with central conical boss and four small satellite bosses each with a silver surface disc; to the outer face four pierced tongue-shaped panels with D-shaped finials proud of the upper face, each with a silvered element to the upper end; the bottom plate with integral catchplate and central void, four attachment pins to the underside; the upper face and sidewall executed in Urnes style zoomorphic openwork; the inner element a plain sheet-bronze container. 95 grams, 55 mm
Acquired in the 1950s. Ex private collection, South West England.
On the Baltic island of Gotland, high-ranking females wore 'box' (or 'drum') brooches to secure their outer garments at the shoulders. The inner container may have been used to hold small valuables. -
Viking Bronze Hunting Dog Leash Swivel with Bear-Head Terminals
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Featuring a central openwork bulb, rod with D-shaped loop above, separate similar loop below; ring-and-dot motifs to the body, bear-head masks to the sides of the loops. 45.1 grams, 77 mm
Found near Fakenham, Norfolk, UK, in 2006.
