Pre-Viking Gilt Bronze Fitting with Mask Between Ravens

5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.

1 1/8 in. (3 1/2 in.) (5.57 grams, 28 mm (31.7 grams total, 89 mm high including stand)).

D-shaped plaque formed as two birds of prey in profile framing a facing mask; the neck of each bird a band with tremello fill, similar band extending from the bird's head to the sides of the mask and to a crescent panel above; looped tendril fill; reverse with shallow loop and remains of a second; mounted on a custom-made stand.

Provenance

Acquired on the London art market, 1993.
Private collection, London.

Literature

Cf. Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B., Fuglen, Dyret og Mennesket i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.2, Borgen, 2005, pls.21, 24, 25, 35, for type.

CONDITION

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LOT 0384