Description:

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 11th century CE. A gorgeous bracteate pendant of annular form intricately adorned with filigreed motifs of intertwining rope-patterned curls and spirals as well as elegant spherical granules. The refined decoration is comprised of a triple filigree border surround elaborate scrolling patterns of double filigree with alternating areas of petite granules. Five small bands embellish the border, while rows of granule periods ornament the integral loop at the top. Size: 1.5" L x 1.25" W (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm); silver quality: 98.18%; weight: 4.7 grams

Filigree and granulation are among the oldest metalsmithing techniques. The techniques involved include twisting gold or silver 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 techniques.

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

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#189070

  • Condition: Some light scuffs on verso and small area of patina at top, but otherwise intact, excellent, and wearable. Impressive preservation of detail.

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October 5, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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