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A rare collection of framed Anglo-Saxon bronze burial goods, dating to approximately 500-600 A.D.
Comprising;
Three gilt-bronze, domed, disc-shaped mounts with central boss. The mounts decorated with deep, chip-carved concentric rings, most of the original gilding surviving. Each 2 inches in diameter.
A large fragmentary chip-carved mount, elaborately decorated with linked zoomorphic motif, resembling stylized feline creatures with pointed ears. Nine bosses lie externally, bordered by intertwined rope. Two of the bosses (third and seventh, clockwise) decorated with cross pattée. Diameter: 2 3/8 inches.
An elaborate domed mount, chip-carved with a stylized cross, bordered by a beaded ring. Incised, gilded and in-filled with organic paste. Minor restoration. Diameter: 1 1/4 inches.
A large domed mount, decorated peripherally with elaborate gilded zoomorphic chip-carved work. The central boss with another, similarly stylized cross. Diameter: 1 5/8 inches.
Three smaller domed mounts, variously decorated.
An unusual mount of feline appearance, chip-carved and gilded with pointed, curved ears. Diameter: 1 inch.
A sheet bronze bracelet, with intricate incised and punched decoration. Interlocking loop clasps, which could be tightly secured by a vertical pin. Diameter: 2 3/4 inches.
Two other fittings, possibly belt attachments.
This rare collection of Dark Age art represents the burial contents of a single, high status Saxon warrior-tomb. The circular mounts would almost certainly have adorned a shield or large shield boss, composed of wood or iron and now perished. Parallels to the three circular mounts can be seen on the famous Sutton Hoo shield, now in the British Museum1.
The decoration on the mounts is beautiful and intriguing. In particular the fragmentary mount, which depicts a highly unusual Early Christian symbol - the cross pattée, or flared-armed cross. This cross was used by the Crusaders in the High Middle Ages. Crosses are rarely found on Saxon artifacts, a notable exception being the famous 'Holderness' cross, now in the Ashmolean2.
Provenance: British private collection, acquired 1980's.
Condition: Well preserved, in excavated condition and provided mounted on a velvet-backed frame.
Export licence: A United Kingdom export licence will be required for this collection. This would not normally be refused, but will involve a minor delay.
References:
1 http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_mla/s/shield_from_the_ship-burial_at.aspx
2 http://www.ashmoleanprints.com/image.php?id=322164
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