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LOT 1241
Viking Age Patrix Die with Figure
CIRCA 9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (41.5 grams, 43 mm).
A Moravian sub-triangular copper-alloy patrix die displaying a stylised standing figure to the upper face, in
Acquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Dekan, J., Moravia Magna, The Great Moravian Empire, its Art and Times, fig.103, 105, 114, for similar images of orantes.
FootnotesThe Great Moravian Empire, Christianised by East Frankish missionaries and later experienced significant cultural development under King Rastislav, with the arrival of the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 863 A.D., developed its own artistic style under the influence of Carolingian Empire and Eastern Roman Empire. The images of praying saints, similar to our figure, are evident on belt plate decorations, where the image of the suppliant with open hands and long talaris tunica is often repeated. If the two stylised figures are interpreted as lions, the patrix die could possibly represent the Biblical story of Daniel in the lion’s cave.
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Pre-Viking Silver Filigree Aroma Bucket Pendant
4th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
A silver pendant formed as a miniature bucket with applied filigree bands to the strap handle and body, granules to the median panel of the body and at the junction with the handle. 4.28 grams, 25 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages. -
Viking Age Silver Axe-Shaped Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A silver pendant with integral loop, double-lozenge (twibill) in shape with horizontal gusset. 4.16 grams, 30 mm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
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Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Boar's Head Stirrup Mount
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A copper-alloy zoomorphic stirrup mount of Williams' Class A, Type 8; formed as a boar's head with stylised detailing; the mount is sub-triangular in plan displaying one head at the apex and two heads below, decoration comprising looping and bifurcating tendrils; shallow ledge to the reverse and three perforations for mounting. 23.3 grams, 55 mm
Fine condition, traces of strap to the reverse.
Found near Snargate, Kent, UK. Property of a Kent gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no. KENT-D935E8.
