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LOT 0313
Viking Silver Gripping Beast Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (8.44 grams, 35 mm).
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]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K-4.
FootnotesThere is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures.
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 Age Bronze Pendant Pair
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Composed of openwork geometric plaques each with lateral scrolls, a beaded bifurcated median column, curled tendrils and a loop at the lower end to support a separate dangle. 30.7 grams total, 51-52 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Of penannular form, convex outer face displaying geometric compositions including vertical grooves, snaking lines and ring-and-dot motifs. 36 grams, 69 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Silver and Other Pendant Collection
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Comprising: one domed disc with granulation and central cell; one gilt disc with kolovrat spinning-wheel motif; one dirhem Arabic coin with applied ribbed loop; one cast disc with high-relief Ringerike style serpent motif reserved on a pounced field; one plain disc with applied loop. 35.8 grams total, 24-41 mm
Acquired before 1990. Ex property of a professional collector.
