Lot 1016

Description

The skull forged in one piece, tapering to a point, mounted with fittings, originally gold-plated and lavishly embellished with marks and etchings, this ornamentation only partially preserved. The iron visor projecting horizontally and riveted at the forehead, in the left corner remnants of a complex decoration of interwoven bands with circular punches in the open spaces and traces of gold plating. Three wide strips of sheet metal riveted around the skull at the back, which protect the nape below the skull. The ends of the two side bands contoured by undulating lines. Moreover, sections on these strips of sheet metal, the surface of which has been heavily restored in places, with remnants of elaborate decoration, matching that on the front visor. Four sheet metal strips with undulating edges in a cruciform arrangement on the skull, also with remnants of the complex, gold-plated ornaments. The centre of the skull crowned with a finial, conical at the base, extending into a rod that is bent backwards, probably used to attach a helmet decoration. The helmet boasts individual features of helmets from the Kievan Rus' region, including the undulating edges of the fittings and the finial on the crown of the skull, without any clear parallels. The ornamentation can also be associated with the craftsmanship of the Kievan Rus' region. Length 26.7 cm. Width 23 cm. Height 23 cm. CULTURAL ASSET!

Provenance: From the Axel Guttmann Collection, acquired in the German art trade during the 1980s.

Condition: II - III Questions about the lot?