Description:

Northern Europe, pre-Viking or early Viking period (often called Migration period or Germanic Iron Age), ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A gorgeous and rare bracteate pendant, made from __% pure silver. The surface is extensively decorated with filigree scrollwork and spherical granules. Extending above is an integral loop that is also decorated with filigreed ornament. Pendants like this one were made to be worn around the neck as a type of amulet or sewn onto clothing. Size: 1.1" W x 1.3" H (2.8 cm x 3.3 cm); quality of silver: _%; total weight: 3.2 grams.

Filigree and granulation are among the oldest precious metalsmithing techniques. The techniques involved include twisting silver or gold wires and soldering incredibly tiny beads comprised of the same precious metal onto the surface of the piece of jewelry. This very complicated technique requires painstaking attention to detail that relatively few jewelers have ever mastered. Ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Etruscans developed the methodology; filigreed and granulated jewelry continued to be popular in the Roman empire, and was also sought after by the Slavs, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings, remaining popular throughout the Middle Ages. In fact, modern jewelers still utilize these ancient techniques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) and then Latvia collection; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#155488

  • Condition: Slight bending to overall form, with light abrasions to verso, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 20, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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