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LOT 1782
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Scrolls
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (6.36 grams, 23.31 mm overall, 17.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).
Wide hoop with a raised boss at the base of the hoop, wide bezel with incuse scrolls. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Oxfordshire, UK.
Acquired 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 5, for type.
FootnotesThe ring belongs to the Type 1d of Hadjadj classification, with wide shoulders and a ribbon-like bend to form a bezel engraved with a simple monogram with a pattern borrowed from the Celtic and Germanic iconography. The lateral decoration with vertical lines was arranged in symmetrical parts.
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AUCTIONS:
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Langobardic Gold Bishop's Ring Bezel with Large Amethyst
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £15,600
Square-section inverted pyramid bezel with ornamented faces, set with a polished amethyst pebble; restored hoop, flanked by outward-facing birds with hooked beaks and large ring-and-dot eyes; keeled decorative hoop with three integral collars at the base. 11.38 grams, 34.70 mm overall, 17.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12983-245992.
The Langobards (or Lombards) were a Germanic people who invaded and ruled much of the Italian Peninsula from 568 to 774 AD. Their kingdom, known for its fusion of Germanic and Byzantine artistic traditions, persisted until the Carolingian conquest under Charlemagne. A Bishop’s ring is a large, often ornate ring worn by bishops as a symbol of their office and spiritual authority. Traditionally, it signifies the bishop’s commitment to the Church and is considered a mark of his episcopal dignity. -
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. -
Merovingian Ring with Horse Galloping
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising a slender hoop and an oval bezel with an incuse image of a stylised horse. 3.53 grams, 18.72 mm overall, 16.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The ring belongs to the Type 4b of Hadjadj classification, i.e. rings with a sinuous profile and thick head. The image on the bezel is reminiscent of horse motifs linked to the Romano-Celtic mythology, although the horse was a known pattern in the Germanic legends as well.
