Dark Age Gold and Gemstone Pendant Cross Necklace with Dove-Shaped Garnets.
Circa 6th century A.D. A Frankish or Ostrogothic necklace, composed of a bifacial design displaying a Christian cross over geometric cells, featuring cut and polished garnet inlays with emerald cabochons to centre of cross, dove-shaped garnets to the lower edge, gold hoop above studded with gold pellets, suspended on a gold link chain with hook-and-eye closure. Cf. Reynolds Brown, K. et al., From Attila to Charlemagne. Arts of the Early Medieval Period in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2000, pl.12.2, items e, k.
14.33 grams, 38.5 cm long (15 1/8 in.).
Acquired in the on the London art market in the 1970s.Property of a London, UK, gentleman.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11883-207089.