11th-12th century AD. A cast Romanesque style bridle ring comprising a lozenge-section ring with beast-head and fish-tail, detail to one face, balustered median plaque; the head and arched neck with punched-point texture to the brow, neck and throat, incised and punched detail for the mane; the fish with flared and forked tail, triangular dorsal fin and shield-shaped pectoral fin, lines of punched-point detailing to the edges, median band of punched rosettes. Cf. fish-tailed fabulous animals in Zarnecki, G., Holt, J. & Holland, T. English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, London, 1984, items 160, 325; sea monster representing the constellation Cetus in the Phaenomena of Aratus of Soli in Backhouse, J., Turner, D.H. & Webster, L. The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Art: 966-1066, London, 1984, plate 43. 92 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Ex English collection; acquired London art market, 2012.

Very fine condition.