6TH CENTURY A.D., GOTHIC

Details

A SOUTH RUSSIAN SILVER FIBULA IN THE FORM OF A CICADA
6TH CENTURY A.D., GOTHIC
With incised details and remains of gilding on the outstretched wings, attachment loop on the underside, 1 1/8 in. (3 cm.) long; a Roman silver-gilt roundel with cockerel in low relief, facing right with snake in beak and laurel branch behind, 5th Century A.D., ¾ in. (2 cm.) diam.; and a bronze openwork circular pendant with six radiating raptors, each facing left, Gothic or Frankish, 5th-6th Century A.D., 2¼ in. (5.8 cm.) diam. (3)

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium

Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
Animals, 1996, III, nos. 7 and 40 (items one and three).

The cicada was a symbol of eternal life. In Greek mythology it was the form that Tithonus took, having been granted immortality by the gods. The Frankish king, Childeric, was found wearing a cloak decorated with golden cicadas.

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