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LOT 1678
Viking Age Gold-in-Glass Bead Group
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (12 grams total, 11-12 mm).
Barrel-shaped, some with slight flange to rim. [17, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Hreiðarsdóttir, E., 'Viking age Beads from Iceland' in Ornamenti, 33, no.5, 2010, pp.2-5, figs.p.3, for similar beads.
FootnotesThe majority of the beads of Viking Ages come from burials across the country. The majority of collections are glass beads but common materials include amber and various mineral stones. Gold is very rare, but in Iceland gold foil beads have been found.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Scandinavian Viking Bronze Bracelet with Bear's Heads
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Flat-section with low-relief reserved zigzag and longitudinal bands, each end with a bear's head and forepaws in plan. 63 grams, 65 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Silver King Aethelred Coin Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
A silver coin pierced to accept a bronze suspension loop, with second piercing; Long Cross Type, bare-headed bust left, voided long cross verso. 2.28 grams, 27.6 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Scandinavian Viking Silver-Gilt Oseberg Style Gripping Beast Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Borre-style beast and integral suspension loop with linear detailing; the openwork plaque with pelletted border and scrolled florid niello-filled panels, beast with pelletted band to the body and gripping hands on the border, facing mask below the loop. 21.1 grams, 40 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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.
