Northern Europe, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 10th century CE. A stunning 95.8% gold (equivalent to 23K) bracteate pendant with amazing filigree and granulation. The medallion verso is flat, and front is ornately adorned in a mesmerizing motif of six filigreed curled shapes with volutes at each terminus. A beaded and rope-twist border encircles the outer edge. The center is shaped into a star or sun burst around the central flat boss, and dotted throughout are granulated spheres. At the top is an integral loop which makes this a wearable pendant. 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: 1.25" L x 1" W (3.2 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 95.8% (equivalent to 23K); weight: 4.2 grams

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, 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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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.

#166298

Professionally cleaned in modern times. Wearable as shown. Slight bending to suspension loop and minor abrasions along verso, and a few petite indentations to central boss, otherwise intact and near-choice. Lustrous patina throughout, and wonderful preservation!