STUNNING MEDIEVAL GOLD RING WITH NIELLO GRYPHON

Ca. 1100-1300 AD. Medieval Western Europe. A stunning gold ring with a circular band decorated with three interlaced gold bands. The applied circular bezel features a nielloed gryphon in left profile with a long tail and upward turned wings encased by two concentric gold bands; below the gryphon, there is a nielloed human head. The gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Excellent condition. For more information on niello rings, see Considine, B. B., Scott, D.A. & Podany, J. (eds.) (1994). Ancient & Historic Metals- Conservation and Scientific Research: Proceedings of a Symposium Organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Getty Conservation Institute, November 1991. Getty Conservation Institute, 177ff. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. Size: D: 21.9mm / US: 12 1/2 / UK: Z; 35.1g. Provenance: Property of a European collector, previously in a collection of Mr. H. L. acquired in Germany in 1918. A copy of the original invoice will accompany this purchase.