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LOT 0383
Viking Bronze Openwork Applique
8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (20 grams total, 75 mm including stand).
Flat bronze plaque with openwork detailing of two opposed zoomorphs, their slender bodies enmeshed within a lattice of tails, limbs and lappets; attachment holes at the eyes and rump; the eyes with pointillé surround; supplied with a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceEx German collection.
with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 8 March 2016, 58A.
Private American collection, New York, USA.
Accompanied by a copy of a previous typed catalogue page.
The style of the plaque is very heavily influenced by the Irish Book of Kells where confronted, interlaced figures appear as ornament.
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Viking Age Twisted Bronze Bracelet
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Penannular with twisted twisted rod shank, tongue-shaped loop finials. 51 grams, 77 mm
Private European collection formed before 2000. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
Bell-shaped cup with suspension loop, inset irregular amethyst. 0.73 grams, 15 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period. -
Viking Age Scandinavian Silver-Gilt Pendant with Regardant Beast
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Disc with integral suspension loop secured at the reverse; beaded wire rim enclosing a filigree motif of a beast in profile with its head turned backwards towards its own raised tail. 4.61 grams, 38 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.