Lot 38D
Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 11th century CE. A gorgeous, silver bracteate pendant of annular form, resembling a shield, with a central circle of 7 nodules surrounded by several extending arms of twisted filigree in coiling spirals of varying size. Pendants like this example were worn around the neck or sewn onto clothing as a type of amulet for protection or good fortune. Size: 1.6" L x 1.1" W (4.1 cm x 2.8 cm); silver quality: 95.42 to 97%; weight: 4.5 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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#190735
- Condition: Light surface wear with some age-expected pitting to verso, but otherwise, intact, wearable, and in excellent overall condition. Rich patina in recessed areas, but nice luster overall.
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