Lot 49B
Europe, present day Italy, Ostrogoth, ca. 5th century CE. Oh me oh my! An absolutely breathtaking solid 18K+ gold belt buckle decorated in the distint style of the Ostrogoths. Low-relief square and scroll motifs provide ornate decoration on all parts of the front face of the belt. The Ostrogoths were pagan, and so buried their dead with elaborate grave goods and in formal dress. Belt buckles like this one are found in the graves of elite Ostrogothic women, who were also dressed in earrings, necklaces, and brooches. Weight: 39 grams. Size: 2.7" L x 1.125" W (6.9 cm x 2.9 cm) Gold quality: 82%, equivalent to 18K+
The Goths (of whom the Ostrogoths were the eastern branch) were a loose confederation of pagan (sometimes called "barbarian") tribes who are sometimes credited with taking down Rome through their military exploits and who continued to be a powerful force in Central Europe through the Migration and early medieval periods. Precious metal and red stones were often used in Gothic jewelry to denote the most elite individuals. The Goths learned the method of inlaying stones from their contact with Greek colonies along the Black Sea, as at Panticapeon (modern Kerch in Crimea), who had in turn inherited the practice from trade with migrating tribes in the South Russian plains around the 3rd century BCE and who catered to pagan clients throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The garnets themselves probably originated in Burma and traveled to European shores via India and the Silk Road. Once they moved into former Roman territories, the Goths quickly became consumers of beautiful items like this one.
Provenance: ex-private Johnson collection, Houston, Texas, acquired between 2010 and 2013
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#153433
- Condition: Components have been professionally cleaned and swivel smoothly. Losses to most enamel inlays, with minor softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina throughout.
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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 |