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LOT 1798
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Boar's Head
500-700 A.D.
7/8 in. (3.99 grams, 21.38 mm overall, 20.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Comprising a slender hoop and a discoid bezel with a stylised boar. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Hadjadj, R., Bagues Merovingiennes - Gaul du Nord, Paris, 2007, item 138, for type.
FootnotesThe ring belongs to the Type 4a of Hadjadj classification. The image is reminiscent of Celto-Roman iconography, although the boar was also a totemic symbol of various Germanic warriors.
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AUCTIONS:
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Merovingian Ring with Scrolls
Circa 640-680 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising a wide hoop with linear decoration on the shoulders, an oval bezel with incuse scrolls. 10.53 grams, 26.37 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The image on the bezel is reminiscent of the spiral motifs connected to Celto-Germanic mythology. They were associated with life force, energy, the seed of life, and cycles of existence.’ -
Migration Period Bronze Fragment Group
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Including the lobed headplate and bow from a brooch, pelta-shaped pendant, phallic belt stiffener and other items. 38.83 grams total, 30-43 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Dark Age Silver Boar Bow Brooch
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Comprising a circular headplate with pointillé tendril ornament, and three radiating lugs, each with a flared collar below; deep D-section bow with boar-head modelling including open mouth and tusks, bristles and pricked ears; parallel-sided chamfered edges, recurved finial with dog-head detailing and teardrop dangle in the mouth; spring and pin to the reverse. 28 grams, 65 mm
with Artemis Gallery, Münich, before 1998. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2001. 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.12226-222179.
As the boar's mouth is modelled open, it is likely that it also had a dangle similar to that of the dog's head. The artistic effect of the brooch is to symbolise the chase, with the boar fleeing and the hound in close pursuit behind. This kind of fibula was used by the Romano-British people of Britannia, as attested by specimens found in Britain (BM inventory no.PRB 1954.12-6.1).
