Description:

Northern Europe, probably Eastern area, Viking, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A breathtakingly beautiful 18K gold pendant of an axe-shaped form adorned with a stunning reverse 'S' scrolled design comprised of granules, with clusters of granules studding the field at regular intervals, all surrounded by a granulated border, with a tubular loop attached to the top for suspension. Granulated gold items were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status in Europe at this time, and Viking examples often come from the eastern areas that they colonized and traded with modern day western Russia and eastern Europe. They were likely inspired by the fine jewelry of the Byzantine world. Size: .75" W x 1" H (1.9 cm x 2.5 cm); Weight: 2.5 g

Filigree and granulation are among the oldest goldsmithing techniques. The techniques involved include twisting silver or in this case 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 goldsmithing techniques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#128423

  • Condition: Slight age patina and minor bending commensurate with age. Generally excellent.

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November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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