Viking Silver Pendant w/ World Serpent & XRF - 86.2 g

About Auction

Live

Exceptional Day 1: Antiquities & Asian Art

By Artemis Gallery

Sep 26, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-09-26 10:00:00 2019-09-26 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Day 1: Antiquities & Asian Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-day-1-antiquities-asian-art-4437
Day 1 of an important 2-day auction featuring exceptional, museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Viking, Russian, Near Eastern, as well as Asian Art from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma and India. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (328)

• Lot Description
  Northern Europe, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. A stunning silver pendant of a rough triangular form, comprised of nearly pure (97%) silver, depicting a pair of enormous serpentine creatures that are perhaps representative of Jormungandr, the World Serpent. The bodies of the beasts are accentuated with dozens of petite hammered circles as well as thin frets on the heads indicative of scales, and the bodies meet at the breasts and snouts in the middle of the composition. The large heads bear concentric circular eyes, gaping maws, and compressed snouts, and a twisted wire suspension loop is situated directly above. Fine patina envelops the entire composition and creates an eye-catching and wearable accessory. Size: 2.75" W x 2.8" H (7 cm x 7.1 cm); quality of silver: 97%; total weight: 86.2 grams.
  
  The serpent form may relate to the Norse myth of Jormungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent also known as the "World 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. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century.
  
  This piece has been tested for the presence or absence of particular elements via XRF elemental analysis. A full report is included with the purchase.
  
  Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #149931

  Condition

  Slight bending to overall form, with minor abrasions to both creatures, and softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas, and wonderful patina throughout.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %