A pair of mid-Byzantine bird fibulae with pendilia, 10th - 11th century

A pair of mid-Byzantine bird fibulae with pendilia, 10th - 11th centuryGilt silver miniature birds with finely worked wings and tail feathers. In the eyes inlays of dark glass. Incorporated into the beak a ring with a leaf-shaped sheet. Underneath the tail feathers a second ring to which a circa 18 cm long silver chain is attached (the pendilium). Attached to it leaf-shaped gilt silver sheets, two single leaves and two groups of three leaves connected to a centre of filigree wire. One silver leaf missing at the bottom group of one pendilium, the other fibula lacking the entire bottom group. One single silver leaf with remains of the filigree wire centre preserved. Apart from these minimal damages in excellent condition. Length of birds 4.1 cm, height 3.5 cm. Extremely charming and rare jewellery dating from the High Middle Ages. Provenance: Private collection.Condition: II -