Lot 1047
Gold-plated silver pendant with a cross-shaped braided cord, Viking, 10th century.
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A109kua | Live auction | 1190 Lots
Description
A barrel-shaped eyelet, closed at both ends in a circular shape, which is finished on only one side (the front), whilst the curved wall is missing on the reverse half. Ribbed on the front face, running perpendicular to the length of the eyelet. Beneath this is a braided band pattern consisting of two main components: Firstly, a ‘St Andrew’s cross’, in the centre of which a tall rectangular cabochon is set, and whose cross arms taper into a triangular shape, the lateral ends of which are extended to form ‘horns’. The design of these endings could well be interpreted as a stylised bull’s head. Secondly, a braided pattern consisting of eight intertwined pelta-shaped ornaments, the bands of which run above and below the ‘horns’. The bands comprise two ribs with a groove between them; the outer rib is smooth, the inner one notched. The reverse of the pendant is smooth. The obverse is partially gilded; the ‘skulls’ of the bull’s heads and the horns left uncovered. There is slight wear to the gilding at the edges of the eyelet and on raised areas. Otherwise in excellent condition. Height 4.5 cm. Width 4 cm. CULTURAL ASSET!Provenance: South German private collection, inherited from the consignor's father in the late 1990s.
Condition: I - Questions about the lot?
