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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
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Viking Age Bronze Coiled Ring
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising six round-section tiers, the terminals tapering to a point. 21.09 grams, 25.19 mm overall, 18.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Bracelet with Interlaced Design
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With vertical bands and beast-head finials, high-relief braid detailing. 40.9 grams, 79 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The bracelet finds comparison with those of the Proto-Baltic Finnic Culture. In the Pre-Viking and Viking ages, later forms of this bracelet type were used in Baltic lands mainly in north-western Estonia, Virumaa, Järvamaa, and northern Tartumaa. The latest bracelets of this type, from the 9th century, display a longitudinal groove on their terminals. All bracelets with thickening terminals have been usually found in burials, hoards, or as stray finds. -
Viking Age Jellinge Style Bronze Regardant Beast Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With integral loop, openwork regardant Jellinge style beast with tendrils and border. 6.06 grams, 35 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
There 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 'Rus' settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Viking art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial.
