Viking 22K+ Gold Bracteate Pendant - 6.2 g

Northern Europe, Viking, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. Wow! A large, truly stunning 98% gold (equivalent to 22K+) bracteate pendant of circular form with a symmetrical geometric composition featuring a repeated motif of granule clusters - foliate-shaped clusters of granules that stud the interior at regular intervals - surrounded by a filigree border, with additional granule clusters at the base of the integral suspension loop. Granulated gold items were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status in Europe at this time, and Viking examples often come from the eastern areas that they colonized and traded with modern day western Russia and eastern Europe. They were likely inspired by the fine jewelry of the Byzantine world. Size: 0.8" W x 1.2" H (2 cm x 3 cm); gold is 98% (equivalent to 22K+); total weight: 6.2 grams

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) and then Latvia collection; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982

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#153458
Condition Report: Very slight bending to form but overall in excellent condition. Pendant is ancient. Accompanied by a modern cord to make it wearable today.