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LOT 1806
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Antelope Facing Right
4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.31 grams, 19.96 mm overall, 16.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)).
Comprising a D-section hoop and a circular bezel with a stylised quadruped with long horns. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK collection formed in the 1980s.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Germanic Silver Radiate-Headed Bow Brooch
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with scrolled tendril fill and seven radiating knops; flattened bow above triangular foot plate with similar tendril motifs, profile bird-heads to each edge, lobe finial with facing mask; ferrous pin to reverse. 67 grams, 10 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Merovingian Gold Earrings with Garnets
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Of circular form, each composed of a plain gold hoop terminating in a cube-shaped setting displayed upon panels of almandine garnet, carefully cut and backed with gold foil to enhance their translucency and depth of colour; the polygonal settings formed of intersecting gold struts. 21.44 grams total, 30-32mm
New York art market. Christie's, New York, 18 December 1998, no.316. with Ariadne Galleries, New York, acquired at the above sale. Private American collection, acquired from the above, 27 April 2016.
Collectively, these objects demonstrate the wide diffusion of this Ostrogothic type across the Mediterranean, highlighting both the technical mastery of cloisonné work and its symbolic value within elite Gothic adornment. Their integrity is exceptional for jewels of this period, and they would be suitable, if desired, for sympathetic adaptation with discreet loops for modern wear. The use of garnet inlaid into gold cells reflects the continuation of Late Roman cloisonné techniques, adapted and developed within the Ostrogothic world. Such earrings, with their bold cubic settings and luminous stones, would have projected wealth and status, while also embodying the cultural synthesis of Roman and Gothic traditions in Italy and the wider Mediterranean during the 6th century. Displayed upon a modern bespoke bronze stand, included with the earrings. -
Frankish Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Bow Brooch
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with notched border and reserved lattice ornament; three collared knops to the outer edge; shallow segmented bow; lozengiform footplate with notched border, reserved lattice ornament and collared knop finial; spring, pin and catchplate to the reverse. 23.8 grams, 76 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
