Lot 38
Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 10th century CE. An exquisite piece of jewelry created for an elite individual, perhaps a Viking warrior. The elegant chain is comprised of 32 twisted 91% silver wire beads that resemble writhing serpents joined via interlocking loops at each end. A most elaborate 87% silver pendant is comprised of a silver double spiral leading to a voluminous central ovoid coiled silver wire motif that in turn links to a coiled silver serpent ring with a conical cap to a large cylindrical piece of translucent quartz/rock crystal that gradually widens to a liberally gilded (60% gold) lion's head. Every inch of this necklace exudes artistry and technique. Size: chain is 31" L (78.7 cm); complete pendant measures 4" L x 1.75" W (10.2 cm x 4.4 cm); gilded lion/quartz measures: 2.125" L x .625" W (5.4 cm x 1.6 cm); total weight: 84.8 grams; silver quality: chain is 91% silver and pendant is 87% silver; gilding is comprised of 60.2% gold.
The iconography of this piece references the lion and the serpent. In Norse mythology, a person is accompanied by a spirit known as a fylgja, and that fylgia can assume the form of an animal that reveals itself when a baby is born. The fylgja (plural fylgjur) may reflect the person's character. Men viewed as leaders were associated with various fylgjur depending on their true character. Whereas an ox, goat, or boar would be associated with a "tame" nature; a lion would represent a more wild, untame nature.
The serpent 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.
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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#157671
- Condition: Professionally cleaned in modern times. Abrasions to lion head, rock crystal, spiral pendant, and some chain links, with light encrustations, and minor softening to some finer details. Wonderful patina throughout. Wearable as shown.
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