Exceptional Norman British Bronze Buckle

$1,515.55

An exceptional Norman Romanesque buckle made from highly gilded bronze, and cast in the form of two fantastical birds standing. The birds are depicted opposite one another with their talons apparent; their tails are long, and rest curled behind them, following the natural curve of the buckle itself. The left bird’s body features fine granulations to represent feathers, while the feathered body of the bird opposite has been accomplished through fine vertical striations. Between the two birds features a heraldic rhomboid shaped plaque, possibly of heraldic significance.

Date: Circa 12th Century AD
Condition: Very fine condition, crossbar missing and some rubbing to gilding.

SOLD

SKU: AS-3502 Category: Tags: , , , ,

Belts were important garment features during the Medieval Period. They served practical functions, such as fastening tunics and holding weapons, but the material and decorations also reflected the social status of the owner. Buckles are thus one of the most common types of metal artefact to be found during excavations of medieval sites. This buckle was found in Britain and displays the fine Norman Romanesque metalwork of the area. The surviving Norman art from Britain tends to take the form of stone- and metalwork, such as belt fittings, and they share features similar to those of the cultures they conquered.

Romanesque art began to appear in Europe around 1000 AD, not giving way to the Gothic style until the 12th – 14th century (though this depends on the region). The styles and techniques used in the Romanesque period are similar to those of the Byzantine Empire. Objects of important practical use, such as signet rings and belt buckles, were turned into fine jewellery, with buckles being made from precious metal and decorated with precious stones and pearls.

Weight 21 g
Dimensions W 3.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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