Description:

Northern Europe, Viking/Norse period, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A cast bronze belt hook in the form of two dragon heads in a sinuous S-form. Each dragon head elongated, with bulging eyes on either side of the head, rows of fierce teeth in its mouth, and a raised crest down the back of its neck. Each neck has a round, studded collar and they join at a cuboid section in the center with raised diamonds on its sides. Size: 1.35" W x 2.3" H (3.4 cm x 5.8 cm)

The dragon is a common figure in Norse mythology, mentioned in the sagas, chronicles, skaldic poems, and depicted as part of the Volsung cycle in rock carvings from Norway, Sweden, and England. The dragon is always a monstrous creature intent upon harming the gods and mankind - Nidhogg gnaws at the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil, while Jormungandr, child of the god of chaos Loki and a giantess, dwells in the ocean, frequently trying to murder mankind's protector, Thor. Finally, Fafnir was once the son of the dwarf king, cursed by a magical ring into dragon form and ultimately slain by the hero Sigurd. For all their repulsiveness, dragons were common subjects of Norse metalwork, like this example here.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection

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#125340

  • Condition: Tarnish/patina on surface. Very nice remaining detail.

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August 3, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$5,000 $9,999 $500
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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