Lot 57
Northern Europe, Pre-Viking, Pictish, ca. 5th to 8th century CE. An incredibly large and heavy piece of jewelry - clearly intended to be an emblem of wealth and status - comprised of solid silver elements - presenting an impressive double link design including 27 pairs of round-section links (54 total) and a connector formed as a penannular gusseted band possessing a recessed channel engraved with a Pictish regional design inlaid with gold. Chains of this type have been found in 'Pictish' hoards in Scotland and the Northern Isles, usually assumed to have been buried to conceal them from marauding Scandinavians. Similar examples were recovered at Whitecleugh, Lanarkshire, and Torvean, Inverness. The massive double-link construction and inlaid symbol are unique to northern Europe during this period. Furthermore, the sophisticated artistry and technique involved in creating the inlaid Pictish design on the penannular band truly set this piece apart as a masterwork - an exquisite magnum opus! Size: 19.5" L (49.5 cm); rings are 1.25" in diameter (3.2 cm); 4 pounds (1.8 kg)
See a similar example at the National Museum Scotland from Parkhill in Aberdeenshire, comprised of 23 pairs of silver rings and a terminal link, ca. 400 to 800 CE. (accession # 000-1---036-323-c - http://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-100-036-323-C) The curatorial team statement reads, "Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains, including this one, have been found in the Pictish kingdom proper. They were almost certainly badges of high rank - perhaps the equivalent of 'crown jewels' in a land of many kings."
This item has been analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The piece tested to 98% silver and the gold inlaid engraving on the penannular terminal to 6% gold. This is consistent with the composition of late Roman silver coinage from the period which would certainly have been used to create the piece.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; property of a German gentleman; acquired on the European art market in the 1990s; According to the current owner, "This massive silver chain was found at Kaliningrad area USSR in the 1970s, it is practically the only find outside the UK. It is one of ten surviving heavy silver chains, of a type found only in Scotland and generally attributed to the Picts. They were symbols of high status, worn between 400 and 800 AD. Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains have been found in the Pictish kingdom proper. This chain is one of two decorated with Pictish symbols. These chains were almost certainly badges of high rank or power." Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains have been found in the Pictish kingdom proper. This chain is one of two decorated with Pictish symbols. These chains were almost certainly badges of high rank or power.
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#130921
- Condition: Normal tarnish and surface wear commensurate with age.
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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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |