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LOT 1514
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Gripping Beast Pendant
10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (5.19 grams, 30 mm).
Comprising an integral suspension 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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rusi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K.2, K-5.
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 Age Gilt Bronze Oseberg Box Brooch with Entwined Animals
8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,510
Formed as a hollow drum-shaped casting with ornament to the obverse and sidewall; the high-relief designs comprising three radiating panels of Oseberg Style 'gripping-beast' motifs with a dome at the centre and three to the beaded border; the slightly sloping sidewall with four panels of S-shaped animals with interlaced tendrils, separated by beaded borders; to the reverse, the perimeter flange supported by two integral blocks supporting the catchplate and pin-hole respectively, the latter damaged and replaced by a second offset hole. 44 grams, 50 mm
European collection, acquired 1980s. Ex property of a UK collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 200319.
The Oseberg style shows a strong interplay between zoomorphic and geometric patterns that continues artistic traditions predating the Viking Age, but continued in the Viking Age at least until 875 A.D. While 8th century art and ornaments show considerable variation across Scandinavia, the gripping-beast motif was adopted in every region within a few decades after 790 A.D. -
Viking Inspired Mordvinian Bronze Omega Brooch Pair
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Each with scroll motifs to the plaques. 21 grams total, 56-61 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1990-2000. From an old Suffolk collection. -
Viking Age Bronze Key with Quatrefoil-Shaped Handle
9th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £160
In openwork, circular lugs to the bow and stem, cruciform and circular motifs to the bit. 15.3 grams, 77 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
