Lot 38A
Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. Comprised of 97% silver, a striking pendant in the form of an undulating serpent ending in the form of a Thor's hammer that is suspended from a ring rendered in the form of a coiled serpent. The entire length of the slithering serpent is meticulously hammered with circular motifs to create a snakeskin pattern, and the ring - incised with frets to create a coiled effect - resolves in actual coiled silver wire. A striking example, replete with symbolic iconography an impressive Viking artistry, ready to suspend from your favorite chain or admire as a work of art. Size: 3.75" L x 1.5" W (9.5 cm x 3.8 cm); serpent/Thor's hammer itself measures 2.75" L (7 cm); weight: 61.7 grams; silver quality: 97%.
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 with 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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#157674
- Condition: Minor casting flaw to the head of Thor's hammer. Minute loss to lower end of coiled wire around neck of Thor's hammer. Expected surface wear commensurate with age, but wonderful details are well preserved. Silver has developed a lovely age patina.
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