Viking Bronze Boar's Head Brooch with Openwork Beast Motif

9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.

2 1/8 in. (4 1/8 in.) (109 grams, 56 mm (162 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand)).

Hollow-formed with openwork decorative outer surface attached to a plain back-plate with one spring-lug and catchplate intact; the upper face divided by a heavy segmented median rib and zoomorphic ornament in the outer panels, arranged symmetrically along the rib with a similar transverse band; the corners of the wider end reinforced with vertical posts ending in heavy lobed ‘ears’; the side panels decorated with zones of interlace zoomorphic ornament and the upper-end panel with a continuation of the median rib, traces of ornamental interlace; the lower-end panel plain.

Provenance

Acquired on the UK art market, 1995-2000s.
Private collection, London.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12987-246190.

Literature

Cf. Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B., Mennesker, Guder og Masker i Nordisk Jernalderkunst Vol. 1, Silkeborg, 2005, figs.130-1.

CONDITION

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LOT 0325