7th-9th century A.D. A silver-gilt belt mount formed as a square plaque decorated with repoussé facing ducks inscribed in a tondo, pearled edge and triangular finial ornamented with volutes. See similar style in art decoration and belt elements from Bulgaria in Inkova, M., 'Duck Image on a Gilt Silver Strap End: on 'Diffused' Motifs of the Early Medieval Bulgarian Culture' in Archaeologia Bulgarica, Sofia, 2003, pp.83-96, figs. in pl.V. 2.07 grams, 47 mm high (1 3/4 in."). Collection formed in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman. The theme of the duck, inherited by the Byzantines from Sassanian art (wallpainting in Eastern Turkestan, reliefs at Taq-i-Bustan, see Inkova, 2003, p.91) was widely used in the belt mounts of the Eastern Roman Empire, especially from the 7th to the 9th century A.D. Its use in the Imperial Court of Constantinople strongly influenced that of the Empire’s neighbours, like the Bulgarian Court at Preslav. [No Reserve]Condition Report: Fair condition.