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Saxon Garnet-Inlaid 'Face' Buckle Element Saxon Garnet-Inlaid 'Face' Buckle Element Saxon Garnet-Inlaid 'Face' Buckle Element
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Details

LOT 1209

Saxon Garnet-Inlaid 'Face' Buckle Element

6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (2.84 grams, 23 mm).

A portion of a gold buckle or fitting with garnet cloisonné 'face' to the obverse, bands of granulation above and below; comprising a triangular panel with two garnet disc 'eyes' above a greenish (perhaps serpentine) filling to the upper cell, and a row of four garnets below; the effect represents either a face, or the other way up, two serpents settled with their addorsed heads resting on the baseline; two mounting loops to the reverse.

Provenance

Acquired 1970-2010.
Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

Literature

See Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.1 - Early Anglo-Saxon, Witham, 2009.

Footnotes

The design replicates in cloisonné technique the dense artwork found for example on saucer brooches and sword pommels where serpents and quadrupeds are crowded into small spaces in the design. See for example Hammond (2009), item 1.1.6.6-h, a pair of saucer brooches with panels of animals and birds.

CONDITION
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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 1209

Saxon Garnet-Inlaid 'Face' Buckle Element

Sold for (Inc. bp): £432

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