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LOT 0336
Viking Age Silver Gripping Beasts Pendant
10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (12.4 grams, 43 mm).
Composed of an openwork discoid body with integral T-shaped tubular loop; raised gusseted rim enclosing a pair of S-shaped beasts with billetted bodies and comma-shaped tails, enmeshed gripping paws clutching the rim and their own bodies.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market in the 1990s.
Ex property of a German gentleman.
Cf. Graham-Campbell, J., Viking Art, London, 2013, item 98; cf. Korshun, V.E., Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, Volume III, Moscow, 2013, items K.6.00-6.02.
FootnotesDespite the long period of overlap of Borre and Jellinge art styles, there are only few examples of their fusion. The principal and most popular motif of the Borre style displays an animal with gripping paws, usually enmeshed in a circular frame, while a typical Jellinge style beast is more slender with long, S-shaped body and ribbon decoration. The most famous example of a pendant featuring a fusion of these styles was found in a hoard from Vårby (Sweden), formed as a circle with a pair of Jellinge-style beasts with ribbon-shaped bodies in profile and heads with open jaws and extended tongues; however, each is provided with gripping paws and an enmeshed body, which are typical features of the Borre style. A few examples of these pendants were also found near the important trading settlement of Gnezdovo, near Smolensk, Russia.
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LOT 0336
Viking Age Silver Gripping Beasts Pendant
Estimate £1,800 - 2,400€2,090 - 2,780 (for guidance only)$2,430 - 3,240 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Gilt Bronze Disc Brooch with Cross
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
In relief with angled borders and five pellets to the interior representing the Five Wounds of Christ; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 23.7 grams, 37 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Composed of tapering arms and a penannular hoop, expanded central section with remains of geometric decoration. 92 grams, 77 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Cross on Bird Brooch
8th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
The cross forming suspension loops on its back, engraved and punched feather and eye detailing; pin lug and catchplate to reverse; likely Weetch type 30B. 7.02 grams, 34 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The profile of the bird's beak suggests this is an eagle (symbolic of the Resurrection and St John) rather than a dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit), although either are a possibility. There is a group of three pierced holes on the bird's breast which might symbolise the Holy Trinity.
