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LOT 1726
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Female Figure
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (4.98 grams, 25.85 mm overall, 19.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)).
D-section hoop and a raised lentoid bezel with an incuse image of a facing woman dressed in a long skirt. [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 159, for type.
FootnotesThe ring belongs to the Type 4a of Hadjadj classification, i.e. rings with a sinuous and continuous profile. The image on the bezel is reminiscent of motifs linked to the Romano-Celtic mythology, and that of the mother goddess.
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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). -
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Facing Figure
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising a round-section hoop with keeled shoulders, with pointillé decoration; a lentoid bezel with pointillé border and central facing figure. 6.34 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The image is reminiscent of Celtic (Gaulish) divine iconography, and these kinds of rings were in fact found in Gallo-Roman graves, belonging to the Gallo-Roman population under Carolingian rule. -
Migration Period Silver-Gilt Leaf-Shaped Pendant with Cabochon
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Plaque with raised rim and central stepped cell, inset garnet clison; pierced for suspension. 3.19 grams, 25 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.