Northern Europe, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 10th century CE. A breathtaking bracteate pendant comprised of over-22 karat gold adorned with mesmerizing filigree and granulation. Painstakingly decorated, the annular ornament features several twisted bands of filigree that spiral forming 2 concentric four-leaf-clover motifs embellished by petite nodules placed at the end of each curlicue as well as between and at the center. The elaborate design is surrounded by one plain and one twisted gold wire, and then surmounted by a suspension loop with additional coiled and twisted filigree, allowing the gorgeous pendant to be strung on a strand and worn. Granulated gold items were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status in Europe at this time, and Viking examples often come from the eastern areas that they colonized and traded with modern day western Russia and eastern Europe. This is a complex and detailed piece of wearable artistry! Size: 1" W x 1.3" H (2.5 cm x 3.3 cm); gold quality: 92.2% (22.1 karats); weight: 5.8 grams
Filigree and granulation are among the oldest goldsmithing techniques. The techniques involved include twisting silver or in this case gold 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 goldsmithing techniques.
Interestingly, the overall form of this pendant is akin to that of a bracteate; bracteates were traditionally worn upon the chest and understood to be magical amulets. They were modeled on Roman medallions and sometimes were employed to confirm political alliances. Favorite iconography included horse-like creatures, figures most likely representing Odin, and apotropaic runes.
Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private London, UK collection, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s; ex-Hewett collection
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#191738
Condition
Some light bending and miniscule nicks to edge, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with impressively preserved detail.