Viking Age Bronze Pendant Pair

With integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. 8.44 grams, 35 mm



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

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.

Comprising: a domed mount with a pounced fantastical sea creature in low relief, the head modelled in raised relief; equal-arm brooch with central flower head flanked by scrolled crosses, vertical ribs between, remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse; mount with trefoil finial and possible zoomorphic scheme. 42.6 grams, 25-44 mm



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

Of semi-circular form with geometric design; occluded suspension loop. 56 grams, 11 cm



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