Lot 35
For every order (single or multiple lots) in this auction, Artemis Gallery will donate 25 meals to Community Food Share, a Feeding America Food Bank.
Northern Europe, Viking, ca. 11th century CE. A magnificent Viking ring comprised of skillfully hammered 23K+ gold and presenting an elaborately decorated curved shank, the full length of which is adorned by a bas relief running band of diamonds, each one punctuated with a central granule motif sitting in a punched circular depression, and triangular punched motifs that are each further adorned by trios of granules. The band narrows at the back of the wearer's finger and resolves in wrapped gold wires that form a lovely spiral. US ring size: 11-12. Size: ~1" in diameter on exterior (2.5 cm); opening measures ~ .875" in diameter (2.2 cm). Weight: 6.4 grams. Gold quality: 96%, equivalent to 23K+
Many Vikings did not have a standard minted currency available to them, and so instead kept their wealth in the form of jewelry made from precious metals. Scholars believe that a common practice was to amass a hoard of these objects and then deposit them, often in water sources like rivers. Gold rings - like all gold objects - were apparently quite rare, only found in graves of the highest status. In pagan Viking culture, so roughly before the turn of the millennium, gold rings were used to swear oaths on and as markers of the godi, members of the Thing (governing assembly); some scholars have speculated that their deposition in hoards was an attempt to save them from violation with the coming sweep of Christianity. Perhaps this ring has a similar history.
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#153457
-
Condition:
Excellent condition with very slight bending to form. Light deposits in lower profile areas.
“To eliminate hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties through engagement, collaboration, and leadership…”
Community Food Share is a Feeding America food bank serving those in need with access to fresh, nutritious food and nutrition education, with a special emphasis on children, seniors, and other populations of greatest need.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |