Viking Age Bronze Ceremonial Spoon with Bear's Head and Paws

Scandinavian pendant of Norelund type with integral suspension loop; the openwork plaque with three-band border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping hands to the body and border, facing mask below the loop. 6.22 grams, 34 mm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection.

There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures, including Sigurð's fight with the dragon Fafnir.

Formed of tightly coiled round-section rods with tapering finials. 18.9 grams total, 21-22 mm



Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s.

Central dome with three radiating beast-heads gripping the outer ring in their jaws. 18.5 grams, 40 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.