Western / Central Europe, Franks or Ostrogoths, ca. 5th to 6th century CE. An incredible 76% silver fibula or brooch of elegant form featuring a crescent-shaped head with a series of 5 radiating knobs of silver and orange glass inlays decorating its perimeter, bridged via a thick curved bow to a lozenge-shaped foot. Boasting lovely gilding and a lustrous dark golden hue, the entire piece is gorgeously decorated with intricately impressed motifs of swirling filigrees encased in a zig-zag border, except on the bow where the border design instead serves as a central rib. This richly ornamented piece would have been of great value to its elite owner, so much so that it likely accompanied the owner to the afterlife! A gorgeous piece of wearable art quite literally loved to death! Size: 4.25" L x 2.3" W (10.8 cm x 5.8 cm); silver quality: 76%; gold quality: 5%; weight: 59.8 grams

Cf. The Morgan Library and Museum website, accession number: 2012.2:51a,b.

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 Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection, acquired in October 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#166939

Small stable chip and fissure to central glass inlay, otherwise excellent. Intact with dark toning and mineral deposits in recessed areas and on verso. Areas of green and russet patina on the back.