Description:

Northern Europe, Viking, ca. 9th to 10th century CE. A gorgeous bracteate pendant, made from 98.6% pure silver. The entire surface is decorated with filigreed motifs of intertwining rope-patterned curls and spirals as well as elegant spherical granules. At the center of the composition is a cruciform motif of double filigree surrounding lines of granules with each arm extending into elaborate scrolling patterns. Pendants like this example were worn around the neck or sewn onto clothing as a type of amulet for protection or good fortune. Size of pendant: 1.3" W x 1.8" H (3.3 cm x 4.6 cm); of strand: 22.5" L (57.2 cm); silver quality: 98.6%; weight: 5.4 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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#187779

  • Condition: Ancient pendant strung on a modern strand to be wearable. Slight bending and indentations to pendant and minor surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise intact with a stunning presentation. Silver has developed a warm patina over the ages.

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August 9, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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