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LOT 0325
Viking Age Silver Cross Pendant with Head of a Beast
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in (7.88 grams, 40 mm).
In Romanesque style, cruciform with openwork cross at centre, three oval terminals and a fourth modelled as a hound's head, the beast's mouth forming the suspension loop. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of an East Anglian private collector.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Graham-Campbell, J. & Kidd, D., The Vikings, London, 1980, item 45, for similar silver pendant from Foss, Iceland; cf. Weidenfeld and Nicolson ed., English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, Hayward Gallery, London, 1984, 248-254; cf. TimeLine Auctions 21/2/17, lot 400, for similar.
FootnotesThe original function of this rare and unusual pendant remains elusive. The use of expensive materials and the fine and detailed casting indicate that it would have been a highly prized object. The fusion of Christian and pagan religious motifs is typical of Iceland where the worship of the old gods continued into the 11th century. The Christian cross was used as a symbol of the new faith but the pendant also includes elements of pre-Christian motifs. Comparable objects appeared in an exhibition of English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, held at the Hayward Gallery, London, 5 April - 8 July 1984. The catalogue for this exhibition illustrates numerous small metal and gilded articles with similar grotesque terminals- No. 254 illustrated a late 12th century finial from a shrine, which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (M.25 1962).
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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Viking Period Bronze Artefact Group
Mainly 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Including strap ends, buckle loops, brooch fragments, bracelet sections, and other items. 239 grams total, 1.2-10.6 cm
Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Silver Pendant with Dragons
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Openwork with entwined and nielloed stylised dragons; suspension loop above. 9.35 grams, 43 mm wide
Fine condition.
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Bronze Mount on Leather Strap Section
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Modelled in the half-round, profile figure with drinking horn, attached to a fragment of leather strap. 2.84 grams, 34 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.
