Lot 35
Western Europe, France / Gaul, Merovingian, Migration Period, ca. 5th to 6th century CE. A dazzling gilt silver clasp presenting a discoid buckle hinged to an openwork, ovoid loop and a tongue in the form of a dragon's head. The decorative buckle is adorned with a silver circle at the center surrounded by a gilt rondel of 2 triskeles and then a silver border with an incised zigzag line. A series of petite, undulating striations additionally embellishes the gilt periphery. The dragon's head tongue extends from the central hinge, displaying a lengthy neck with horizontal bands and liberal remains of black pigment, as well as ovoid eyes, a shaggy coiffure, and an elongated snout that slants upwards to act as a hook, which boasts a gilt and tiered periphery resembling a picture frame. The verso of the buckle displays a sharp spike that would have pierced the strap and firmly hold the clasp in place. Size: 1.3" L x 0.8" H (3.3 cm x 2 cm); metal quality: front: 65 to 84% gold (equivalent to 15K+ to 20K+), verso: 81% silver; weight: 10.3 grams
Merovingian and other cultural styles from the period after the fall of the Roman Empire - variously referred to as the Dark Ages, the Migration Period, or, more archaically, the Period of Barbarian Invasions - appeal to us not only because of their extraordinary beauty, but because they are rarely seen today. The Merovingians were a Frankish dynasty that ruled a large portion of western and central Europe for approximately three hundred years. During that time, they practiced a pagan religion in which people were buried with vast wealth, including gold and silver, as seen in this example.
Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection; ex-private Bristol, UK collection
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#166945
- Condition: Some expected nicks, abrasions, and fading of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice encrustations and liberal remains of black pigment.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |