Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A breathtakingly beautiful pendant made from 89.85% to 94.64% gold (equivalent to 21K+ to 22K+) of a discoid form with a symmetrical composition featuring 5 filigreed triskeles with volutes at each terminus, surrounding a raised circular boss comprised of granules, with additional granules highlighting the overall composition. An integral suspension loop on top enables the pendant to be strung from a necklace strand and displayed as a wearable piece of ancient Viking finery! Size (pendant): 0.75" W x 1" H (1.9 cm x 2.5 cm); (necklace): 22.5" L (57.2 cm); quality of gold: 89.85% to 94.64% (equivalent to 21K+ to 22K+); total weight: 3.7 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.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private New York, New York USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167005

Wearable as shown. Gold pendant is ancient, and necklace strand is modern. Subtle indentation on left side, otherwise intact and excellent. Beautiful patina throughout.