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LOT 1223
Viking Age Silver Gripping Beast Pendant
LATE 10TH-EARLY 11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (4.51 grams, 29 mm).
A silver Scandinavian pendant of Riddarholmen type 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. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
Cf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rusi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K.2.01-03.
FootnotesThis type of pendant was also widespread in the historical Rus region, centred on Kiev.
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 Faux Twist Ring
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A copper-alloy ring composed of a tapering hoop which is thickest at the bezel, decorated with a deep, faux-twist motif. 3.35 grams, 24.61 mm overall, 18.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection formed since in the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Viking Age Patrix Die with Figure
Circa 9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
A Moravian sub-triangular copper-alloy patrix die displaying a stylised standing figure to the upper face, inorans pose, ring-and-dot and other symbols in the field. 41.5 grams, 43 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The 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. -
Viking Period Lock and Key Group
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
A group of iron keys and a lock; two keys with sith a cruciform head, crimped edges and central void; one with a square head with spur to each angle; one with T-shaped head and vertical spurs; one with a disc finial, square void with rounded edges; one iron barrel padlock with hasp. applied decorative bands to the body. 407 grams total, 9.5-15.5 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
