Scythian Zoomorphic Plate Brooch. 5th century B.C. An openwork zoomorphic plaque, later changed into a brooch, composed of an oval-shaped frame designed as a stylised sinuous beast, its body arched full-circle, detailing to the ear, eye, claws and hind quarters; pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. Cf. Davis-Kimball, J., Bashilov, V.A., Yablonsky, L.T., Nomads of the Eurasian Steppes in the Early Iron Age, Berkeley, 1995, for similar image of animals on plaques from Scythian culture of South-Eastern Steppes, figs.47, no.f, p.49, and Saka (fig. 60d and 61, p.221). 21 grams, 34 mm (1 3/8 in.) German art market before 2000. With a European gentleman living in the UK. Property of a Surrey gentleman. These plaques were often applied on the garments of aristocratic people, like the headdresses of the Scythian princesses of Sinyavka or of the Chertomlyk Kurgan. Horse harness fittings of the South-Eastern Scythians show same animal style, like in the graves of (Davis-Kimball, Bashilov, Yablonsky, 1995, fig.24 p.41). Bosses and strap guides for bridles of a very similar typology are well visible in the Saka culture, of the same period.

Fine condition.