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LOT 0317
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 a 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 a 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 0317
Viking Age Silver Gripping Beasts Pendant
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Viking Period Twisted Bronze Neck Torc
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Penannular neck torc with tapering terminals. 84 grams, 17 cm
Acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent. From an important private family collection of arms and armour. -
Merovingian Gold Hoop Earring with Garnets
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £540
With a thick penannular loop and polyhedral finial set with twelve garnet cloisons, some detached. 6.36 grams, 34 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. -
Viking Bronze Decorated Ring
Circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Penannular in form with overlapped ends, thick domed bezel with punched-point and chevron detailing. 7.57 grams, 27.77 mm overall, 21.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
