Norman / Early Medieval Gilded Bronze Horse Pendant
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Description
England, 12th century CE. This is a gorgeous example of a gilded bronze horse pendant and hanger that would have belonged to a bishop during a fascinating time in English history. The design is an early form of heraldry (which developed throughout the 12th century), with a Greek cross (all sides equal length) combined with elements of the pattée cross style, with larger ends of each cross arm, these inscribed with X's (X of course being the symbol for the Greek letter chi, the first letter in Christ). This cross is surrounded by a quatrefoil frame that calls to mind the cross bottony (botonny) style. During the medieval period, the various straps used to harness horses were decorated elaborately with bells, studs, bosses, pendants, and other metal objects; we know this from images in illuminated manuscripts. Imagine what all of these together must have looked and sounded like -- Chaucer, writing in the 1380s, wrote: "His bridle, when he rode, a man might hear Jingling in a whistling wind as clear,/Aye, and as loud as does the chapel bell, Where my lord Monk was Prior of the cell." All of these pendants served both to identify the owner -- with heraldic devices -- and to act as amulets against "the evil eye". Size: 3.5" W x 3.6" H (8.9 cm x 9.1 cm)
Provenance: Ex- Jones Collection, UK acquired on UK art market before 2000
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.
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#112675
Provenance: Ex- Jones Collection, UK acquired on UK art market before 2000
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.
#112675
Condition
Wonderfully intact, with working hinges and most gilding still present;
Buyer's Premium
- 22.5%
Norman / Early Medieval Gilded Bronze Horse Pendant
Estimate $1,500 - $2,000
1 bidder is watching this item.
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Item located in Boulder County, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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