10th-11th century AD. A Smolensk-type concave-section pendant with integral suspension loop; the openwork plaque with three-band border and four florid panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping hands to the body and border, facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. Cf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K.1.02-04. 7.5 grams, 38mm (1 1/2"). From a central London collection; previously in a European collection formed 1979-1989. There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures. [No Reserve] Condition Report Fine condition.