Lot 37
Northern Europe, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. An elegant pendant made from 96.3% - over 23 karats - gold and featuring the image of a dragon or serpent - perhaps intended as Jormungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent, of Norse mythology. Surrounded by a twisted and raised border, the discoid ornaments is formed from scrolling fold wire and filled with dense granulations. His serpentine body twists and turns creating coils and loops that form a lovely composition. Size: 1.2" L x 1" W (3 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 96.3% (over 23 karats); weight: 4.9 grams
The serpent or form may relate to the Norse myth of Jormungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent, a child of Loki and a giantess who according to legend grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail, forming an ouroboros. According to legend, when it releases its tail, Ragnarok, the final battle of the gods that will result in Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular motifs in Norse art concerns the story of Thor and Jormungandr. In classic Thor style, he sets off on a reckless fishing expedition, taking the head of an ox as his bait, and sails further out to sea than he should. With a large hook and the ox head, he catches Jormungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor's fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor's line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jormungandr sinks beneath the waves, the threat at bay - for the moment. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century.
Provenance: private London, UK collection, acquired in Vienna, Austria, before 2000
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#189697
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Condition:
- Light surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise intact, excellent, and wearable with nice preservation of detail.
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