Northern Europe, Viking, ca. 10th century CE. A gorgeous bracteate pendant, made from 97.24% silver. The entire surface is decorated with filigreed motifs of rope-patterned curls and spirals as well as elegant spherical granules. At the center of the composition is a four-pointed star motif with double spirals emerging from its points that is highlighted with lovely granules. This central design is surrounded by a filigreed border followed by a band of repeating double spirals with granules punctuating each end followed by a complex filigree border that lines the entire pendant as well as the integral folded loop above which is decorated with filigree and granulation as well. Pendants like this example were worn around the neck or sewn onto clothing as a type of amulet for protection or good fortune. Size (pendant): 1.625" L x 1.25" W (4.1 cm x 3.2 cm); (cord): 21" L (53.3 cm); quality of silver: 97.24%; total weight: 5.5 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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#161427
Condition
Excellent condition. Slight bending and small indentation to pendant and minor surface wear commensurate with age. Silver has developed a nice patina. Wearable and strung in modern times on a modern cord.