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LOT 0399
Merovingian Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.64 grams, 22.80 mm overall, 18.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
Comprising a keeled hoop with a lozenge-shaped bezel, raised cell set with garnet cabochon, applied granules framing the bezel.
ProvenanceAcquired from London galleries during the 1990s.
From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Spier, J., Byzantium and the West: Jewelry in the First Millennium, London, 2012, for a ring with similar garnet stone and pellet granulation.
FootnotesThe Merovingian rings typically have bezels in the form of four-sided pyramids decorated with filigree, granulation, and sometimes
inlay. Around the bezel, as in this case, are often triangular clusters of granulation and gold pellets.
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Lombardic Gold Cross for Agilulf
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Flat-section with stamped triangular decorated border enclosing inscription: 'CX REX VICTVRIA'; attributed to King Agilulf. 25.73 grams, 53.47 mm
Acquired on the London art market before 2000. Acquired from a major Mayfair, London, UK, gallery. Ex property of a London gentleman.
The inscription 'VICTURIA' and 'REX' appears on several items that belonged to Agilulf (ca. 515-616 AD), the king of the Lombards who accepted Christianity to appease his wife, Theodelinda, the widow of his predecessor King Authari. Under Agilulf, the Lombards accepted Arian Christianity; in 603, the king adopted the Roman Catholic faith and baptised his son, Adaloald. A representation of the king appears on a helmet panel from Valdinievole, now in the Bargello, Florence. Stamped decoration in the form of a triangle with three dots inside was popular among Germanic tribes, used during the early and high Middle Ages. -
Frankish Bronze Buckle with Phallic Symbol
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £683
The headplate engraved with an ithyphallic penis at the centre enclosed within concentric geometric borders, three domed studs to the perimeter; the penis motif repeated in smaller plate forming part of the tongue, oval-shaped buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; remains of tinning; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse; repaired. 70 grams, 86 mm
with Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152. Private collection, Europe. -
Merovingian Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Comprising a keeled hoop with a lozenge-shaped bezel, raised cell set with garnet cabochon, applied granules framing the bezel. 3.64 grams, 22.80 mm overall, 18.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman.
The Merovingian rings typically have bezels in the form of four-sided pyramids decorated with filigree, granulation, and sometimes inlay. Around the bezel, as in this case, are often triangular clusters of granulation and gold pellets.
